Suzanne graduated this year with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Occupational Therapy from the Sheffield Hallam University.
She left school in Doncaster with two ‘O’ levels and then spent several years working as a plasterer in Sheffield and bringing up her son Tom. When she returned to education it was both to challenge herself and to satisfy her thirst for knowledge. She was inspired to start a course by her sister, who had recently graduated and her son who encouraged her to take on her reservations about education and give it a try.
In 2000, Suzanne then aged 36, enrolled on a Science Access course at Castle College. She went on to win an Adult Learners Award and successfully applied to study for a degree in Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University.
Suzanne said her degree was a very challenging experience, particularly the personal development and discipline that was required to complete the academic study. She also learnt, in her final year, that she had mild dyslexia, which made many aspects of the course very demanding.
“I liken the work to training for a marathon; you have to build up your strength and stamina in order to prepare for the race. You have to work in the same way with your mind” she said.
Suzanne is now using her newly acquired skills and some old ones in teaching work at South Yorkshire Women’s Development Trust, based in Burngreave, and at Dearne Valley College as a lecturer in plastering and tiling. When asked if she would recommend doing a degree Suzanne said, “Yes, it’s exhilarating achieving a goal that you have worked hard to reach in a subject that matters to you.”
Suzanne’s son Tom has just begun a one year job contract and training placement, as a classroom assistant at Whiteways Junior School in Burngreave. He hopes to progress into further teaching or youth work. by Rohan Francis