Hayley Williams graduated with a degree in Marketing this summer.
Hayley speaks about balancing family life with her studies. Despite having three young boys, Hayley has still been able to achieve her academic goals and has her sights set on a creative role in the future.
Hayley said: “Definitely my biggest challenge came during my second year at university when I became pregnant. Despite this, I was determined to continue my studies throughout the pregnancy and after giving birth.
“As a 37-year-old busy mum of three boys, I chose not to take a gap year because I was committed to achieving my goals. Balancing university work with the demands of a newborn and family life was incredibly difficult at times, but I remained focused. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and grateful for perseverance this experience brought out in me.”
Alongside the learning experience, Hayley made the most of her time as a student and enjoyed the social element to university life, citing meeting new people and making friends for life as her most cherished highlight from the last three years.
Hayley credits the small class sizes and the personal support available as one of the factors that has led her to this moment at graduation. Hayley said: “The tutors at Hope were incredibly supportive, especially during my pregnancy. They offered one-to-one Zoom meetings to help me stay on top of assignments and deadlines and always responded to emails the same day. The small class sizes made lessons more personal and allowed individual support.
“All tutors were so supportive and encouraging when I sat my exams; they were always there to give us confidence and provide useful revision sessions to help us and the same for my dissertation. My supervisor Anna couldn’t have done more to help and support me.”
The course provided Hayley with the opportunity to learn new life skills as well as improving her subject knowledge, including how to manage deadlines, become more confident with public speaking and juggle multiple responsibilities.
Following graduation, Hayley is reflecting on her time at Hope and is looking forward to what’s ahead for her. Speaking about how graduation makes her feel, Hayley said: “A big mixture of emotions - very proud, emotional and so excited. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I am also so happy for my classmates graduating alongside me.”
Now with a Marketing degree under her belt, Hayley would like to pursue a role in creative marketing. It is an industry that she has worked in for five years, but she is looking to progress into a new role to apply the skills she has learned, gain more experience and expand her network.
Giving advice to students starting in September, Hayley said: “Your time at university flies by quicker than you think, so make the most of every moment. Attend as many lectures as possible, they are key to understanding the topics and succeeding in your assignments. Take the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, embrace the diversity, and enjoy the unique experience university has to offer.”