{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/667ac78d83e70f59f79dd863/686bdeeb51ef1700a6bf245d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Opting out of exams to gaining a PhD: Matts Journey","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/667ac78d83e70f59f79dd863/1751899809010-4750fb29-a99d-45bc-a4e2-3fadcd31ee5a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Growing up on a council estate in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, Matt left school with no GCSEs, apart from an A* in PE. Never seen as a high achiever, just one of the kids that got lost in the middle, his journey took a dramatic turn after witnessing the loss of his father. That moment became the catalyst for change. From night school to earning a PhD, while cleaning to fund his studies, Matt carved a path into academia, becoming a research scientist focused on aging. Rooted in working-class values, he’s now helping the next generation of students see what’s possible when you back yourself.</p><p><br></p><p>In this conversation, we cover:</p><p><br></p><p>- Growing up working-class in Chelmsley Wood and being “lost in the middle” at school</p><p><br></p><p>- How grief and personal experience shaped his research interests</p><p><br></p><p>- Going from no GCSEs to earning a PhD through night school and self-belief</p><p><br></p><p>- Navigating academia as a working-class individual</p><p><br></p><p>- The challenges of class bias and microaggressions in professional spaces</p><p><br></p><p>- Why resilience, community, and risk-taking were key to his journey</p><p><br></p><p>- How he now mentors students from similar backgrounds</p><p><br></p><p>- His thoughts on systemic change in education and the role of universities in DEI</p><p><br></p><p>- Staying grounded and instilling working-class values in his own children</p><p><br></p><p>🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!</p><p><br></p><p>👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Matts journey!</p><p><br></p><p>🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Matt!</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Us:</p><p>- Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/</p><p>- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial</p><p>- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198</p><p>- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9</p><p>- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Matt</p><p>- LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-hill-3870701a1/</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks for listening!</p><p><br></p><p>#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #workingclassculture</p>","author_name":"James Taylor"}