"My name is Gerard Martin, and I have just finished my degree in Computer Science at Cambridge University after leaving St. Columb's in 2007.

So, I have finally finished. It's very strange to know that university life will be over in a few short weeks. They always say it, but it really has flown in. After the stress of exams, the relaxation of the last few weeks has been excellent. It feels good to know that there will be no more homework and no more tests, but now that it's gone I almost miss it!

After three years of lectures, tutorials and exams, there have been countless things I've enjoyed from my time at university. Meeting friends for life, finding out about lots of interesting things, going down the pub for a quiet one, antics in halls, cycling out into the countryside, meeting interesting people, taking up residence in the library before exams, rounding off the year at a May Ball - there's just too many good things to list. For anyone thinking about going to university, I would recommend it a hundred times over - it's an experience unlike any other.

My immediate plans are to have a well-earned holiday! But looking further ahead than that, I will be seeking employment as a software developer over the summer, for which there are always lots of opportunities to work on interesting products. The possibility to do a Master's course or a Ph.D are always available as well, which I do eventually want to complete. However, I'm firstly looking forward to getting back to Derry to see everyone and see how the place has changed since I have been gone.

To everyone at the College who helped me with getting my place at Cambridge, I am eternally thankful. I couldn't have got in (or graduated!) without your help."