21/07/2014
A mother and her daughter will be awarded their degrees on the same day when they graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln on Wednesday 23rd July.
Athena Pears (21) will be graduating with an honours degree in Education Studies and English, and a few hours later her mother Gillian Bush (44) will be awarded a masters degree in Education.
Athena, from Revesby near Boston but currently living in Horncastle, was inspired by her parents who both have careers in education. Thanks to her passion for working with people with special needs she has also ventured into a career within education.
Athena currently works as a support worker at Linkage College in Toynton near Spilsby, which is part of the Linkage Community Trust. She managed to secure her job before graduating.
"I've had a fantastic learning experience at BGU and I'm so happy to see my hard work - and my mum's - pay off. Not many people get to say they graduated with their parents. I am so proud of my mum and her achievement; I keep showing her masters thesis to everyone. I'm now considering following in her footsteps and doing a masters in Education at BGU in the future myself!"
Gillian, also from Revesby, studied for her masters degree part-time for three years while working at Boston College as Programme Area Manager and Higher Education Co-ordinator. "I decided to study at BGU because of its excellent reputation and quality of education. I was given the option to tailor my modules to facilitate my career development and lifestyle. As much as it was a struggle having to juggle my career and education the staff at BGU were helpful and supportive, which I am very grateful for.
"It is a great privilege to graduate on the same day as my daughter. I am so proud of Athena and I'm excited to celebrate with her. I am now focused on putting the knowledge I've received into practice."
Athena Pears will graduate at 2.30pm and Gillian Bush will graduate at 7.15pm at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 23rd July 2014.