I’ve come full circle back to Cardiff
When her A-level results weren’t as predicted, Jo Smedley (BScTech 1983, PhD 1986) dealt with the disappointment and picked herself up. With a determination and drive that has defined her career, she applied through clearing to study Maths at University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST).
“I was doing a lot during my A-levels – I was playing tennis for Yorkshire and was quite musical. My results weren’t what I expected, so I was very grateful to get a place through clearing to come to Cardiff.”
Arriving on the train from Sheffield in September 1979, Jo brought a determination to knuckle down and work hard.
“I focused on my studies because I had this great opportunity at Cardiff. I remember that first day, walking into Bute Building, not knowing anyone. But I was adamant I would stick it out.”
And stick it out she did. By the end of her first year, she’d worked her way up to second in her class, eventually leaving with a 2:1. Her undergraduate degree led to a doctorate, and all the while she juggled her love of sport, even playing tennis for England.
After university, Jo taught Computing and Mathematics at colleges across the country. Initially working in Wales, she then headed to West Sussex, Cornwall, and the West Midlands. When opportunities came up, Jo said yes and took a leap into the unknown.
“It was my time at Cardiff that taught me to be flexible and adaptable. It gave me the courage to dive into opportunities that came my way. I just followed my nose and ignored anyone who said I couldn’t do something!”
In 1997, Jo became Senior Lecturer in IT at the University of Worcester. Roles at Aston University, the Open University, Halmstad University, Sweden, and the University of South Wales followed, before she came full circle to teach at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning.
“Returning to Cardiff University feels as though I’ve come home. I knew early on that I wanted to teach and I knew I loved Maths. I'm thrilled to be teaching in Lifelong Learning because I engage with a wide range of motivated students studying Business, Project Management, and Digital Technology who are juggling work, busy lives, and rising costs alongside their education.”
It was understanding these challenges that inspired Jo to leave a gift in her Will to provide financial support to Cardiff University students.
“Being a student is much harder these days. I was so lucky to have the chance to come to Cardiff – my time here gave me the confidence and skills to go out into the world and forge the career I’ve had. I’m very grateful for that and wanted to pass it on. I wanted to give students opportunities at Cardiff, the same way that the clearing place did for me.”
Jo decided to split her gift between supporting Maths students and the adult learners she now teaches.
“I wanted my gift to reflect both parts of my journey at Cardiff. Even if it’s contributing to bus fares or lunch. It doesn’t need to be thousands of pounds – just a little bit of help can make a difference.”
Jo found the process of updating her Will to be very smooth, and was supplied with wording to pass onto her solicitor.
“I update my Will every 10 years as it’s important it stays current, and adding in the donation was very straightforward. Also, whilst it’s not the reason I did it, there are inheritance tax benefits to including charities in your Will.
I don’t need credit or thanks – I just hope my gift benefits people that need it. A little help along the way can magnify into huge impact.”
Supporting students at Cardiff
Find out more about supporting Cardiff University students or research with a gift in your Will.
