Robert Johnson

A Civil Servant living and working in London.

Brought up in a small village in East Sussex, I'm not sure I ever fully appreciated the beautiful countryside on my doorstep until I went away to college at the age of sixteen. Some thirteen years after moving out I still love little more than to return to where my parents live, to rid myself of the stresses, strains, noise and dirt of city living, and rejuvenate somewhat

The Royal National College for the Blind, in Hereford, where I undertook my A Levels between 2000 and 2002 was where I truly discovered, and made the most of, my independence. I well remember those Saturday morning's when, after researching thoroughly during the preceding week, I would take myself off to towns and cities, near and far, to satisfy the appetite of my travel bug, and to build my own confidence. College had its ups and downs, but the education offered was excellent and, together with my new found independent spirit and skills, enabled me to continue to university.

I look back on my days at the University of York. Where I read History, with considerable fondness. It was here that I made some of my best and most enduring friendships; where I tested my skills of argumentation; diplomacy; leadership; innovation; and communication... all with varying degrees of success! York was also where I developed properly my taste for good beer and excellent food; where I expanded my travel horizons; and where I grew as a person.

One of my most developmental experiences was, after my first year, undertaking a three week long interailing trip in Central Europe with my good friends Simon Drage and Mark Rogers. There is little like travelling independently, relying only on your own information finding and issue resolution skills, to build your confidence for whatever life attempts to hurl at you in the future.

In 2005 I graduated my BA (Hons) and ran away to join the Civil Service. Actually, for the first nine months of my working life I lived back at home with my parents, commuting up to London on a daily basis. I don't tend to comment publicly on my employment, however in the space of eight years or so I have built my skills and knowledge in a wide range of areas.

Today I live in south west London with my wonderful German Shepherd guide dog Vance, where I love walking along the Thames or through the local parks, and sampling the local pubs and restaurants. I still try to travel as much as possible, and c