We are proud to graduate with mum
GLASGOW - Graduationday will be a real family event for the O’Kanes. And it will span the generations as Lisa and Geraldine are joined by their mum Eileen to mark the end of their courses at Glasgow University.
The single mum studied for a masters degree in Spanish -despite not knowing a word of the language before- after deciding to give up her job in a BT call centre. And she’ll graduate next week, along with Lisa, 27, and Geraldine, 23. Geraldine will pick up a BSc Hons in genetics while Lisa will get a PhD in psychology.
Eileen, 53, said: „I always had an idea I’d like to get a degree. I’d been in my job for about 13 years but I was fed up and wanted to change my life. I’d also just finished in a relationship and wanted to do something for myself. It was strange because we were all in uni at the same time but we didn’t bump into each other as we had different classes. But I got to know their friends and I still go out with them.Lisa and Geraldine were very supportive and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Geraldine said: „I was pleased that mum had the opportunity to do it because I knew she really wanted to.And it was great to be able to meet up for coffee. When I was stressed with coursework she could relate to what I was going through, which was a great help. We’ve always all been close and getting our gowns together will just be crazy! I’m really proud of her.”After quitting her job and taking on part-time hours at Asda, Eileen first did an Access course and then signed up to study for a degree in philosophy and theology. But she soon found she enjoyed the extra modules she was doing in Spanish more, so swapped courses.She was also attracted by the chance to spend a year in Spain at a university there.
At one point all three were overseas. Lisa was working in Paris and Geraldine was in the US. So they rented out their house in Summerston. Eileen now works as an administrator at the Centro Espanol Lorca language school in Hope Street while Geraldine is taking time out after studying and Lisa is working at St Andrew’s University.
Eileen eventually hopes to work in business and would like to combine selling property with teaching adults languages. She added: „It has been about discovering that your life can change if you want it to and getting the courage to stand up for who you are. It has been the most fun time of my life.”
Er zijn nog geen reacties geplaatst.