Family affair for mother and daughter

It was a real family affair for Joanna Booth and Diane Clark when the daughter and mother duo graduated from the University of Teesside together.

Joanna, 22, from Redcar, works at the University as a Fees and Bursaries Project Administrator. She achieved a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree, while Diane, 43, gained a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology. Joanna said: “It was a really good day and not many people can say they have graduated with their mother! I was happy for her to have got through it, because I can’t imagine it's an easy decision for mature students to go back to education when they have a home and family to look after as well.

“I thought the course was really good because the broad subject matter allowed me to keep my options open as to which area of business I would eventually look to for employment. The facilities are great too, especially the new buildings popping up all over campus. It's a very comfortable place to study and having access to so many resources like textbooks, computers and staff was a great help.” Diane, who works for Serco Integrated Transport in Stockton as a Site Data and Test Engineer, said: “I previously worked at ICI - Uniqema as an Administrator but was made redundant.  I then had to decide what I was going to do and went for a total change of direction.

“I started University in September 2001 at the same time as my eldest daughter Allison. Alison graduated with a BA (Hons) Business Management degree in 2004 while I did the HND Computing and then went straight on to the second year of the degree course. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and especially enjoyed the group work.  The choice of modules enabled me to tailor the course to my own needs and ability

“I got my job at Serco after doing a placement there and I really hope this degree will help me progress within the company. “As a mother of five daughters I guess I'm quite used to juggling several things at once but it was still a challenge trying to fit work, study and the normal everyday home activities into each day!  I'm very proud of all my children but to be able to share this experience with Joanna was very special.”

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