Shaun's story

Shaun is an Egyptology and Archaeology student.

Brave. Hardworking. Trustworthy. 

"At 18, I joined the British Army and served 22 years with the Corps of Royal Engineers. My experiences in active war zones left me with PTSD, making daily life a struggle with flashbacks, unwanted images, and suicidal thoughts. To help occupy my mind, I applied for the University of Liverpool’s Go Higher Diploma in 2020, starting in 2021 amidst COVID-19 restrictions. After completing the diploma in 2022, I began an Egyptology degree, driven by a lifelong fascination with Ancient Egypt.

During my first year, I switched to a 50/50 Egyptology and Archaeology degree, as learning Egyptian hieroglyphs took longer than anticipated. I still audit the language modules without the assignments and enjoy the mix of Egyptology and Archaeology. This year, I joined the University scuba diving club, which has been brilliant and could lead to opportunities in marine archaeology.

Since 2023, I’ve worked as a Disability Coach, supporting fellow students with disabilities, which has been rewarding and keeps me busy between lectures as a commuter. The friendships I made on the Go Higher Diploma have been invaluable, helping with the challenges of studying alongside younger peers. I plan to pursue a research master’s in Egyptology next year, followed by a PhD."