Mum and daughter complete courses at the University of Central Lancashire
A mum and daughter have celebrated graduating together from the University of Central Lancashire.
Nurses Diane and Isabel Roberts donned their academic caps and gowns as they took to the graduation stage in Preston today, Wednesday.
Isabel has followed in her mum’s footsteps by completing a BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing degree while Diane, who is a mental health nursing lecturer at the University, graduated with a MEd in Professional Practice in Education.
There is even more of a family connection as, on occasions, Diane taught her youngest daughter’s class throughout the three-year course.
The 48-year-old said: “It was a proud moment for me having Isabel follow in my footsteps.
"It was a proud moment for me having Isabel follow in my footsteps"
— Diane Roberts, MEd in Professional Practice in Education graduate and mental health nursing lecturer
“It’s been really enjoyable too as we’ve had a few laughs in our classes. We’ve both felt the stresses of combining study and work but it’s been wonderful to share that experience together.”
Isabel, who obtained a First, commented: “At the beginning, it was strange having my mum teach me but I soon got used to it as it wasn’t every day and my focus was on my learning and getting the most out of my course.”
The 21-year-old, whose older sister Lucy is also a University of Central Lancashire graduate, was inspired to study nursing after seeing her family members enjoy the profession.
“Some of my family members have been in the nursing profession, including my mum and my nana, and they are two very important individuals in my life,” said the former Turton High School and Turton Sixth Form pupil. “I look up to them as they are the most compassionate, caring and inspirational people I know, and I can’t wait to use my newly developed skills to follow in their footsteps and work for the NHS.”
It has been all the more difficult for the Bolton based duo as Diane lost her beloved dad died six months ago and Isabel lost her grandma last year, as well as her papa this year.
"I can’t wait to use my newly developed skills to follow in their footsteps and work for the NHS"
— BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing first-class graduate Isabel Roberts
Diane, who started her nursing diploma at the University in 1996 and has gone on to gain four qualifications, commented: “Balancing full-time work and study was hard but I’m relieved and proud that I managed to achieve a distinction despite the challenge of losing my dad in June.
“The additional pressure and trauma to deal with that, on top of the studying, was difficult and I’m obviously sad that my dad is not here to see me graduate but I know he’d be delighted with my achievement.”
Isabel, who starts work as a mental health nurse in the New Year, added: “As someone who has never experienced any personal loss before, losing my grandma and papa during the course made it difficult to cope at times. I am glad that I had friends and family around me to support me during those times, but I wanted to prove that I could do this in honour of them. I hope that they are watching down on me now and that they are proud of me, even though they aren’t here to celebrate this milestone with me.”
While Isabel looks forward to starting her mental health nursing career, Diane, who is married to Warren, is looking forward to a well-deserved break from official study for a short time.