Rob Ryder collected City Lit course guides for years before taking a deep breath and building up the courage to enrol on a counselling course. "I came to City Lit from a humble background with little exposure to formal education. I feared that I would get lost or left behind by the other students.
"I soon found my confidence on the course, as my tutor picked up on my individual needs, and I flourished in the environment.
"Despite a new found confidence, I had a sudden set back; I suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. I felt vulnerable on the health front, but completion of the course was so important to me that I just had to continue - and with help from the tutors and fellow students I did.
My world has now changed radically. I am more confident, self-assured and a better informed individual."
Improvisation to comedy
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