A mum and son from Harlech have done a degree double as both have graduated with First Class Honours at Bangor University.
Michelle Deeman, from Heol y Bryn, resumed her place at the university after a ten-year gap while she brought up her family.
The 44-year-old made it back to the university thanks to a foundation course in social studies she took at Coleg Harlech.
Mum and son, Cydney, have now both gained first class honours degrees at Bangor, Michelle in Health and Social Care and her son in Sociology and Criminology.
Michelle, who worked part-time in the Coleg Harlech Library to fund her university course, said: “I had to be at home for my children’s education but I came back here to Coleg Harlech in 2008 before going back to university.
“My son and I have now both graduated and so I am thrilled for my own child’s achievements and am also delighted with my own so graduation day at Bangor was pretty special.”
Michelle says she is now looking to find a full-time job in the care sector and is really grateful to Coleg Harlech for putting her back on the road to her degree.
She said: “It is a wonderful place and has such a good mix of students who are really on their second chances.
“The staff here are excellent too and they really engage with the students and enthuse them.”
Coleg Harlech Principal Trefor Owen said: “We’re really thrilled at the success of Michelle and her son and glad we’ve been able to play some part in what is a fantastic family double.
“Coleg Harlech really is a college of second chances, it’s never too late to come here and to get back on the learning trail.
“We provide a wide range of courses and educational opportunities, both here at Harlech and at venues and workplaces across North Wales and North Powys.
“Many of our students go on, like Michelle, to university and there their life experiences make them a valuable part of the student intake and we’re just glad to have been able to help them fulfil themselves.”
For more information about the courses offered by Coleg Harlech contact the Student Admissions Officer, Julie Roberts, by ringing 01766 781900 or emailing [email protected]. You can also log on to: www.harlech.ac.uk
