Bermuda’s Lorin Tannock is proof of what can be achieved in three short years with the right amount of determination, application and self-belief.

He now has a degree in sports and physical education from the University of Bedfordshire in England, and has built an enviable portfolio of work experience helping out as a youth coach at Bedford Town Football club and Bedford Cricket Club during his spare time.

Bermuda has also felt the benefit of the 25-year-old’s university training as he has come back to the Island each summer and helped with summer cricket camps run by the Bermuda Cricket Board at Berkeley Institute.

It is all far removed from the place where Mr Tannock found himself just over four years ago when he was at a loss where to direct his energies.

The former Saltus student had previously enrolled in an IT course in Canada, but did not feel it was the right move and so returned to Bermuda. But he was unable to find work and then missed a chance to return to school in 2010. He eventually landed a job at a local hotel, and so began a journey that will see him return to England next week to begin a master’s degree.

Four years ago work colleagues gave him advice and support, and helped him on the path towards university. It was while on duty with the Bermuda Regiment that Mr Tannock, of Smith’s, got a taste for training and physical education and decided that was a path he’d like to pursue.

Having achieved his degree, and now just days away from commencing an MBA course at Leeds Metropolitan University, in Yorkshire, Mr Tannock has no regrets. His advice to others is: “Set yourself a plan so that you know exactly what it is you want to so. Do the work, and then you can play.”

When he started his degree course in 2011 he thought it would purely be class work and assessments, but it turned out to be a much more rewarding experience — in a large part due to his own proactive approach to get involved with the community in Bedford.

“The first year I was just adjusting to the workload and learning time management,” he said. “One of the hardest things was getting used to the weather. I realised I had to become more open and social, and that if I didn’t get out there and make friends I’d be miserable for three years.”

He got involved coaching under-11s at Bedford Town FC and under-12s at Bedford Cricket Club, something he is justifiably proud about. He has ambitions to work as a cricket coach and believes his experience and degree have greatly improved his chances.

“I’m glad I did the degree. Whenever I work in a coaching role I’m more professional now and get taken seriously. When I go to Leeds I’d love to get involved with the Leeds Cricket Club,” he said.

In the longer term he is looking at working as a physical education instructor and in sports administration, possibly with the Bermuda Cricket Board if an opportunity arises.

Meanwhile, he is encouraging other young Bermudians to pursue their dreams and set themselves goals. And he thanked his former work colleagues who gave him support him all those years ago. One of his former colleagues is Leslie Pryce, who was instrumental in helping Mr Tannock redirect his life. He said he had been impressed at the way Mr Tannock had listened and applied himself in such a positive way through his university studies and beyond.