First-time parent juggles sleepless nights with studies

Victoria Harris graduates today with first class honours – which she’s managed while juggling being a first-time parent.

Victoria is just one of number of mature students to benefit from Cardiff University’s ‘pathways to a degree’ programme – a specifically designed initiative for people who may have been away from formal education for several years.

The University offers pathways in a wide range of fields, from healthcare to history, business and journalism, with each delivered specifically to the needs of the students.

Students enrolled on a pathway do not necessarily need prior qualifications and do most of their learning on a part-time basis in the evenings and weekends in a friendly and relaxed classroom setting.

Victoria, a former recruitment manager, embarked on a four-year Pathway to a Degree programme in Social Science and became pregnant in the first year. After passing the first year ‘pathway’ she then progressed on to a three year ‘Human and Social Sciences’ undergraduate degree whilst her daughter Ffion was just 10 weeks old.

“I finished my final assessments on the pathway programme in the June, gave birth in the July and started my degree in the September,” she said.

“I’m proud of my achievement,” said the 35-year-old, from Canton, Cardiff. “It’s been challenging, but so worthwhile. No matter how difficult it’s been, when you’ve got a baby, it gives you that extra drive and determination to accomplish your goals.  I can’t wait to be able to say to her when she’s older, ‘I did it’.”

“It was a time when I was managing massive identity changes – I became a new mum and mature at the same time. I was trying to find out where I fitted in.”

Indeed, Victoria’s dissertation project focussed on how first-time motherhood influences identity, and the ways in which mothers experience and manage this.

“There were times throughout my studies where I questioned if I had ‘made the right decision?’,” she continued. “I certainly had ‘imposter syndrome’. I was using skills I hadn’t used for such a long time and then I was getting home, after long days of lectures, looking after Ffion and dealing with sleepless nights and feeds.

“But I soon started to enjoy studying. I’ve had the opportunity to work and engage with different people from all walks of life. As well as growing academically, I’ve experienced huge personal growth as well.”

Victoria went straight into work after her A Levels but had always regretted not pursuing higher education.

“I was keen to start earning money straight after school. I was unsure about my career path, but I wanted to get some work experience and try and work my way up. But as I got older, my motivations changed, and I craved a new challenge.

“I chose a human and social sciences degree as I’ve always had an interest in sociology and psychology. I found the modules really interesting and they enabled me to engage with contemporary issues.”

Victoria’s long-term goal is to become a children’s play therapist. But first, she will be gaining experience as a teaching assistant before applying for a Professional Teaching qualification.

Ffion, who turns three this month, partner Tom and family and friends will be celebrating with Victoria at her graduation

Victoria added: “Returning to education has been about so much more than studying to  increase my earning potential – it’s really given me confidence and the opportunity to take my career in a new direction.”

Professor Amanda Coffey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience and Academic Standards said: “I am delighted to see Victoria graduate with a first class degree from the University this week.

“She has managed to complete her studies while dealing with the pressures of being a first-time mum. She is an inspiration to anyone considering taking on a new challenge.

“We are very proud of the work we undertake with mature students to provide them with opportunities to benefit from a university education. Victoria is proof that it is never too late to unlock your educational potential.”