It’s a family affair for a mum-of-three who graduated from the University of Central Lancashire this week in the footsteps of her son and with another son only six months behind her.
Teresa Nkemjika Ajibosin received her MSc Psychology Conversion degree six months after her eldest son John graduated from the University with a degree in animation and with her second son, Allen, in the final year of a cybersecurity degree.
It is a second Masters degree for Teresa, who originates from Nigeria but now lives in Preston.
"I’d just give a little nod to them if I saw them around campus so I didn’t cause any embarrassment in front of their friends but I know they’re proud of me."
— Graduate Teresa Nkemjika Ajibosin
Prior to returning to study, Teresa worked as an international education consultant representing various universities around the world before deciding to make a career change. She then juggled family life with university and working as a customer service advisor for a home insurance company at the weekends.
“I chose this course mainly to satisfy my curiosity about human behaviour and to understand the basis of mental health and the strides made thus far in understanding it” Teresa said.
“It has been interesting studying at the same time as my two sons. I’d just give a little nod to them if I saw them around campus so I didn’t cause any embarrassment in front of their friends but I know they’re proud of me.
" I can only say my curiosity is heightened after this year of studies. I have learnt that I have to keep learning and I’m now exploring PhD options."
— Graduate Teresa Nkemjika Ajibosin
“My first degree was 22-years-ago in a very different learning environment so I took advantage of every resource the University had to offer to get back into the business of learning the right way.
“I can only say my curiosity is heightened after this year of studies. I have learnt that I have to keep learning and I’m now exploring PhD options.”