Stephanie Kennedy, 52, and her daughter Mia, 21, both celebrating a rare academic achievement. They were both born in St Helens, Merseyside, and graduated from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire, together. The pair, originally from Wigan in Greater Manchester, teamed up during the pandemic. As they continued learning in tandem, they both enrolled in a new program of studies, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing, testifying to the unique connection they shared.
Stephanie Kennedy, a mother of three daughters, earned a prestigious First-Class degree, while Mia secured a commendable 2:1. It was during their daily commutes to university that their shared commitment to education truly shone. Despite having their own sets of friends, they would most times take outings together.
Mia called the opportunity to study with her mom “a very special, unique experience.” She could still remember the look of shock on her classmates’ faces when they found out they had a mother-daughter pair taking the same class. I really didn’t think that mum was going to do the course because every time she said she was going to uni but never went. Nobody was as surprised as everyone during freshers week because no one was expecting to have a mother and daughter on the same course,” Mia continued.
Stephanie knew the challenges she faced as a working mom. For too long, she had put her children’s needs above her own aspirations. “As a working mother of three daughters, I had always postponed doing things for myself,” she stated. Even though she had no confidence in her intellect, she took the brave step toward nourishing her thirst for knowledge. “I have never believed in myself much and my confidence in academic learning was low,” she shared.
The journey was not without its hardships. Stephanie confessed that earning her degree was the most difficult endeavor she’d ever committed to. “This has been the hardest thing I have ever done but it’s been worth every second,” she expressed. Her commitment to her scholarship helped her land the title “Mama Hen.” This title is fitting given the maternal and nurturing role she adopted while appearing at university to support Mia and her peers.
Mia recognized her mother’s determination and enthusiasm, remarking, “My mum was better than me in everything.” This sentiment perfectly reflects the admiration and respect felt between the two as they basked in their accomplishments onstage together.
We are looking forward to Stephanie taking this next step toward achieving her academic goals! After extensive research, she decided to enrol in a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education at Edge Hill University. Her quest for advanced education shows her dedication to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
