I failed Biggin hill selection first time due to lack of knowledge of aircraft types and was told to join ATC and come back in a year. Resigned from Army cadets but some old retired engineer at ATC said I was too old - second attempt at Biggin hill having read everything available in civilian press was only asked why I hadn’t joined the ATC and basically called a liar.
Would have loved fast jets and had to make do with the glamour of airliners instead.
Currently advising my grand daughter - anything aviation minded helps.