Mother Graduates From University, Honouring Pact Made With Son

Kerry Ann Hemans, a mother of four from Uttoxeter, wished to graduate from the university, and she achieved it this summer thanks to a pact she made with her son. She had promised her son Denrich when he started pursuing his degree six years ago that she would gain her graduation once he graduated.

The 42-year-old woman has completed a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Health and Social Care at Staffordshire University. Speaking to the university, she said, "My son went to university, and we made a pact that when he completed his degree, I would apply to university myself."

UK Mother Graduates From University

She said that COVID happened, and the course that she wanted to study was even more needed. "I've always wanted to give back and help others. To give that support and care to people who deserve it and need it," said Hemans.

While pursuing her degree, Hemans continued to work full-time, keeping her education a secret from her extended family.

She revealed that after 20 years of not being in a classroom, the news terminologies and the academic study frightened her and made her question herself.

She then recalled that one question from her lecturer encouraged her to pursue her dream. "What is my 'why'?" It was at that moment that I decided my 'why'—to fulfil a promise I had made to myself of going back to school after becoming a teenage mom.

She shared that the lecturers were amazing and very understanding of her situation, adding that she couldn’t rave enough about them.

24 years after leaving high school, Hemans graduated with a first-class in health and social care. She donned her gown and cap and collected her degree.

Explaining her experience at the moment of her graduation Hemans told the BBC that the feeling of walking across the stage to receive her graduation and to have her hard work acknowledged was amazing and felt even better than if she had done it at 18. She further elaborated that the experience was amazing—being on campus with students of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences was "extraordinary."

She concluded that with hard work, dedication, determination, drive, and support, there’s nothing one cannot achieve.

She further plans to pursue her Masters in Public Health. She also revealed that her long-term aim was to open a care home for the black and ethnic minority community, along with her sister, who works as a mental health nurse.

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