Tue 20th September, 2011
A single mother of two boys, one with autism, is celebrating after completing her degree in Public Relations at the University of Bedfordshire.
And the University was delighted to recognise Laura Charnock's commitment to education in the face of particular challenges by awarding her the Marilyn Barton Memorial Award at her recent graduation ceremony. Laura, who also has a heart condition, said: “It was a massively proud moment that I shared with my family and I got a standing ovation from my fellow students.”
Laura, who studied as a mature student at the University and gained a 2:1, said: “I believe in working hard to overcome obstacles that try and hold you back in life, and to follow your own path. I think it’s so important to live life to the full and make the most of opportunities that come your way.”
Despite the challenges she faced, Laura secured her job as Fundraising Officer at the independent charity Advocacy Alliance. Her dream job has started well. She said: “In my second week of working there, I was asked to help rebrand the organisation and lead the marketing strategy. Advocacy Alliance offers high quality support to vulnerable adults to enable them to solve issues and become active members of their local community. It also provides volunteer placements for social work students from the University to help support their studies and further education.
“There were many times when I wanted to give up, many times I never felt ‘clever enough’ or ‘good enough’ but I really did walk away from that degree with the biggest sense of achievement ever. If I can do it, anyone can!”
Laura lives with her best friend and their four children between them. Two of the children have Asperger Syndrome and one has Down’s Syndrome.
She said: “It’s been an exhausting and emotional struggle – fighting against all odds to achieve the best for the children, their education and their future. Working part time throughout my degree also made things challenging. But no matter what, we have never given up, and at the same time I have achieved success in my own education and working career.
“No matter how tough life can be, there is something about personal success that drives you forward and keeps you going. Getting a 2:1 was the most amazing thing that I have ever done; it is truly life changing.
“As a single parent, there are money challenges, emotional worries, time management issues and often a feeling of ‘swimming against the tide’ – but doing my degree gave me a reason to keep going and helped me value my own self when life is hard.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE said: “Here at the University of Bedfordshire we transform lives and Laura is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and dedication.”
Advocacy Alliance is a registered charity that allows vulnerable people to have a voice and provides them with the correct support and tools to improve their own future and opportunities. For more information visit www.advocacyalliance.co.uk
Latest news» 2011» August» PR student overcomes challenges to win award
