Colleen Wright – BA (Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology

Inspirational mum of four makes children proud by gaining degree

Sister also passes same degree with the same grade at the same time

41-year-old Colleen Wright from Haverhill left school at 15 ‘with a feeling of fear, dread and no qualifications. It was a difficult time for me personally,’ she said. Here is her story. 

“In 2016, I decided to go back into education to improve my skills and get an understanding of what my four children were doing at school.

“I started a functional skills course and moved on to maths and English. I got both GCSE's and my daughter was with me when I opened my results. She cried with pride. 

“I then did an access course and progressed on to a BA Hons degree in Applied Psychology and Sociology at University of Studies at West Suffolk College.  

“It’s taken six years but I’ve just found out I’ve got a 2:1 and an award for being the ‘most improved student of the year’. 

“On finding out this news I was over the moon. I really hope I’ve inspired my children. They’ll be there at the graduation ceremony and so will Danielle Bowyer, my younger sister.

She ended up doing the same course as me at the same time and she also got a 2:1. 

“It was daunting going back to college but the staff have been brilliant. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if I’d have gone as far as I have. 

“For me, doing this has all been about personal growth and I’m over the moon to get the degree and be noticed for my work (via the award). 

“If I had the chance to talk to that 15-year-old version of myself, I’d say - you can achieve things if you work hard for them - just have some faith and confidence in yourself. Having this second chance has been amazing.”