I always loved Physics and did it as one of my Highers (Scottish 'A' Levels). However, due to our education system I was forced to choose either Science or Humanities but not both, and I ended up abandoning the sciences.

After having worked for many years In TEFL in Spain, I returned to the UK and did a language/liberal arts degree, as a mature student at Middlesex University. (BA(hons) Translation/Interpreting & Hispanic Studies double major). However serious illness contracted during my study year in the Guatemalan jungle forced me to abandon my planned academic career; I was being fast - tracked onto a PhD program.

That was around 15 years ago - I have more or less been in recovery since - but as every cloud has a silver lining - have rediscovered my inner science geek and have used all the 'free' time illness has afforded me by retraining as a computer engineer and, most importantly, embarking on a long - term mission to study Physics and Maths. My hope is to be ready to seek funding for my degree and doctorate before my 60th birthday. Failing that, I don't really care, as long as I can just keep learning until I drop!

So I am, at worst, a mere wannabe scientist, at best, a fairly well - informed amateur/autodidact. To give an idea of my level, I'm currently working through Leonard Susskind's Stanford Courses .

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