A Redcar student has not let the challenge of being profoundly deaf stop him achieving success after successfully completing a college course and gaining a university place.

18-year-old Nathan Falcon from Dormanstown has landed a place on the Creative Digital Media course at Teesside University after completing a Level 3 course in Art and Design at Redcar and Cleveland College and is hoping this will lead to a career in graphic design.

After contracting meningitis aged two, Nathan was left profoundly deaf and now communicates using speech, sign language and lip-reading. Although he has been faced with a difficult challenge, he has not let this stop him from making the most of his course and his time at college..

“My tutors and friends at college have been really supportive, which has helped me to gain a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to carry out my studies,” says Nathan.

“Studying at college has been a lot different to being at school. I’ve been able to develop as a person and have gained a lot more independence which will hopefully help me progress through a successful career.”

Nathan is aided in his studies by a sign language assistant, who assists him in lessons and helps to clarify information from his tutors. He has also been aided by his friends on the art and design course.

Colin Cook, Nathan’s tutor on the Art and Design Course, said: “Nathan has really excelled during his time on the art and design course and getting a place on the course at Teesside University is a just reward for all of his efforts.

“He hasn’t let his disability get in his way and has worked hard, along with the other students on the course, to develop his work to the highest possible standard.

“His work shows a great attention to detail and he has a particular flair for digital design which will give him a great grounding when he starts at university in September.”

Nathan was one of over 30 students who were showing off their work at the college’s end of year exhibition which was held last week. Many of the students exhibiting are progressing on to university courses along with Nathan.

“Showing my work, along with my friends, at the end of year exhibition is a great way to bring my time at Redcar & Cleveland College to an end.

“I’m really excited to be going on to university in September and I’m already looking forward to graduating from my degree and starting my career in the graphic design industry.