A mother and her daughter graduated together from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln on Wednesday 20th July.
Carol Bailey (57) and Sammie Steadman (31) graduated with a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Applied Studies (Early Childhood). They both work at the Sunshine Children’s Centre in Burgh-le-Marsh near Skegness and juggled their studies and full-time work during their two years at BGU.
Carol works full time as a supervisor at the centre while Sammie is the Deputy Manager.
Carol never thought she would study at university but the foundation degree was the right fit for her because it requires a minimum of two years’ experience of work with children in their early years.
“My daughter and I were working 37 hours and a half per week and going to university in Lincoln from Skegness on a Monday. It was difficult and time-consuming as even the weekends were being taken up, but it was enjoyable at the same time,” said Carol.
“We knew everyone else on the course was in the same boat and we would talk to each other as everyone was either in full-time work or doing 12 hours’ voluntary work.
“I never thought I could do anything like this so it’s definitely a proud moment, and graduating alongside my daughter has made me even prouder.”
Sammie has now decided to continue via the top up degree onto a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies this September.
“I was really happy to go to university with my mum. It takes us an hour to get there so it was nice to have that time together to catch up,” she said.
“It’s going to be weird going back to BGU without my mum in September but I’m going back with people who I’ve already met in the past two years, so I should be fine.
“My mum and I are grateful to BGU as all the lecturers were friendly and responded to all our emails.”