Wrexham mum celebrates degree success

Karen Parry Karen Parry from Wrexham left school at 16 with a small number of GCSEs and worked in various manufacturing factories. At the age of 19 she suffered a spinal injury which had a severe impact on her physical abilities. She then decided to take a different direction and enrolled on various computer courses and gained RSA qualifications. She worked in various administrative roles until she found her ideal job at Caia Park Partnership Ltd as Assistant Coordinator, where she is now a Senior Administrator within the personnel department.

By gaining employment in a community development organisation, Karen finally found a job which she enjoyed and decided she wanted a greater understanding of community development as a whole. Her line manager encouraged her to go on to do a foundation degree (FdA) in Community Development and so chose Lifelong Learning at Bangor University because she was able to do the degree on a part-time basis, and study within reasonable distance of her work place.

“My tutor, Shân Ashton, has been a tremendous support mechanism throughout the whole process; I can honestly say if it wasn’t for her caring attitude and patience I would not be graduating. All the tutors have been approachable and offered support outside of study hours; I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to learn part-time. It was sometimes hard to find time to study, work full-time and look after my children, but it’s been worth it – I’m happy in my employment and I’m able to encourage my daughters to enjoy learning, after all their mum is now a graduate!” said Karen.

Community Development Academic Co-ordinator Shân Ashton said

“The sense of part-time study in Lifelong Learning centres such as Bangor University's goes without saying - it can all be fitted in around participants' other responsibilities; you have tutors who understand the nature of learning part-time and the need to support students and maintain their motivation; you have courses that often relate to the workplace and employer needs or students' needs to extend their areas of interest and employment possibilities. Karen is one such student and proves the value of this way of studying - she has achieved so much over the last four years, despite some difficult times. It was a pleasure to be her tutor and to support her efforts and I hope she continues with her studies. My heartfelt congratulations go to her and all the community development students, indeed all Lifelong Learning students, graduating today - their efforts are to be applauded!"

Lifelong Learning’s part-time degrees are flexible so that students can opt to study at a pace that suits their personal circumstances. Most students take 4½ - 5 years to complete their degree. These part-time degrees are structured to help people returning to education and many have gone on to follow prosperous careers or further study.

If you would like to develop interests in certain subject areas, looking for new skills or are thinking of a career change, contact Lifelong Learning for information about part-time degree programmes and financial help available on 01248 382708 or visit the website www.bangor.ac.uk/ll.