A lifelong learner who was told she would never go to University has graduated – and says she is glad her path led her to higher education later in life.
After Raj Cowles, 47, was made redundant four years ago, she decided to enrol into higher education – something she always believed she wasn’t capable of.
There, she met fellow adult learner Kathleen Richards, and found they shared the same experiences – both mums to young children and looking for a focus after having lost their fathers.
The two friends have now graduated together with a degree in Professional Studies and credit the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) at the University of Leeds for its support over the last four years.
Igniting a spark
Speaking about her journey to a degree, mum-of-two Raj said: “When I was younger I did want to go to university, but I had a lot of health problems so missed a lot of college.
“I always remember a teacher saying to me that if I didn't get my head down, I would never make it to university. And I just thought, oh, maybe it's not for me. Maybe I'm just trying to clutch at something that isn’t meant for me.”
After leaving college, Raj had different jobs but always felt a lack of qualifications held her back. She returned to a community college to resit her GCSEs, and while she was there, Fiona Chapel from the University’s LLC visited to talk about higher education options.
She said: “I thought that the boat had sailed for me and university. I’m not in that 18-21 bracket, I can’t go to university.
“But hearing from Fiona sparked something that I think I always had inside me.”
Life is short
Shortly afterwards, Raj was made redundant and then her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She said: “I re-evaluated my life and it made me realise that life is quite short. Like they always say, something positive comes out of something negative.”
Similarly, mum-of three Kathleen, 43, felt that higher education gave her some focus when her dad passed away. She said: “I felt I had nothing to lose. It made me really determined to do a good job, to make my dad proud.”
Stepping back into education was daunting for both women. Raj said: “You worry, what if I'm not academic? What if I don't know what I'm doing?”
But sessions and courses such as Jumpstart and the Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) gave them confidence. Raj said: “It gave me a taste of what was there and boosted my confidence that, actually, I could do this.”
It's never too late... My life experience means I’m able to bring so much more to my studies.
Kathleen had been a stay-at-home mum for almost 20 years, when a Facebook post asking people if they felt curious about university resonated with her.
Once she made contact with the LLC she felt encouraged and supported to continue on to a PHE and eventually, her degree.
She said: “University was never really an option for me. I wasn’t really aware of it, I wasn’t brought up in that environment. It was more about getting a job after school.
“But I think it's better that I've done it now than when I was younger. My life experience means I’m able to bring so much more to my studies.”
Kathleen may have been the first in her family to go to University, but she’s now sharing the experience with her son, who is an undergraduate at the University of York. She said: “He thinks it makes me a cool mum! But it’s really good because we can support each other. If he’s deflated about a grade, I can relate to that.”
Raj’s daughter is 18 and considering her future. “I've just said to her, life doesn't go in a straight line. There’s so much pressure to make decisions about your life at that age,” she said.
University support
To other adults thinking about University, Raj and Kathleen say the support from the LLC has been invaluable.
Kathleen said: “It’s never too late. They’re so open and there for you with a quick response when you need something.”
Raj adds: “Without the LLC I don't know if I would have been able to complete my studies. They understand the challenges that you have, that you have a life outside University. You don't have to explain things to them and this almost takes that pressure away, so you feel you can ask for support.”
Proud families
Both women were joined by their proud families at their graduation. Kathleen added: “I like to think that what I’ve done makes me a role model for my kids, but I've kind of done it to prove to myself that I did have it in me.
“My husband and three kids will be at my graduation – and next year we’ll be at my son’s.”
Professor Kenneth McDowall, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience, said: “Kathleen and Raj are fantastic examples of how mature students can really thrive in our community here at Leeds. Our outstanding Lifelong Learning Centre makes a real difference, working with understanding and compassion to support students through their studies.
“Just like Raj and Kathleen, there will be others who think that higher education isn’t for them – but we believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should be given the opportunity to succeed.”
Further information
Pic credit: Kathleen Richards
For further information please contact Becky Pascoe in the University of Leeds Press office on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk