Derek Hanrahan from Omagh has overcome the challenges of living with autism to graduate from Ulster University with a first class honours in sociology and psychology and hopes to inspire others facing similar obstacles to pursue a university degree.
"I chose to use these experiences as a driving force and as soon as I was old enough I enrolled at my local college.
It was my goal to attend Ulster University and I worked extremely hard to achieve the qualifications I needed to get in.
I thoroughly researched the University and quickly decided it would be my first choice thanks to its quality of teaching and the support it offers to young people who have not come through mainstream education.
I found the process of applying and being accepted a hugely rewarding experience."