Yeovil mum and UCY graduate overcomes adversity and receives award

A Yeovil mum graduated from University Centre Yeovil last Friday receiving an Outstanding Achievement award for achieving excellence despite external family issues.

Over 320 hard-working students formally became graduates on Friday, representing 44 different qualifications including full honours degrees, foundation degrees and post-graduate qualifications

Awards galore were presented to UCY students at the ceremony, recognising those who had excelled during their time at the University Centre, including the centre's own Outstanding Achievement awards.

Yeovil mum, Victoria Gould, graduated with a foundation degree in Early Years and received an Outstanding Achievement award for overcoming adversity whilst studying for her qualification.

She said: "In the three years I was studying for my degree I have also been caring for my mother who has Alzheimer's disease.

"I can't say it hasn't been difficult but I was determined to get my qualification in Early Years so I can work with young children in nurseries and pre-schools.

Victoria added: "I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Isla six months ago and looking after children is really what I do best.

"I am very overwhelmed to have finally graduated and so grateful to have won an Outstanding Achievement award," she said, "It is real recognition of all my achievements over the past three years."

Victoria's husband, Paul Gould, expressed how "extremely proud" he was of Victoria saying: "Now she can follow her dreams and do whatever she wants to do."

Senior representatives of all the awarding universities, Yeovil College and the County and District Councils attended the ceremony to celebrate this pivotal day for UCY students.

Dr Richard Foyle, Head of the University Centre Yeovil, said: "The University Centre goes from strength to strength each year and there is no greater demonstration of this than our graduation ceremony.  

"It is the culmination of all our students' hard work and commitment and highlights what can be achieved, even in quite complicated personal and familial circumstances.  

"This year, our students achieved an overall pass rate of 95% and 100% pass rates were achieved on courses including FdA Creative Practices (Media), FdA Creative Practices (Fine Art), FdA Business & Management and FdA Supporting Learning."

Click here to see the picture gallery of the UCY Graduation Ceremony on 26 October 2012.