A single mum-of-five has finished a 17-year journey and fulfilled her dream of becoming a midwife.
University of Chester student Aimi Holmes, 37, had to balance caring for her children with the pressures of working for a degree.
This meant many hours studying early in the morning and late at night.
She is now celebrating graduating with honours and can pursue her ‘dream career’.
The mature student was also awarded the university’s health and social care prize for showing amazing academic progress.
Aimi said: “The University of Chester has helped me to achieve my dream of becoming a midwife by supporting and encouraging me through my degree.
“The staff are all exceptional and have been happy to help in any way possible throughout my three years as a student.
“Gaining a midwifery degree has enabled me to pursue my dream career as a midwife and care for women and their families during the life changing experiences of pregnancy and birth.”
Aimi, who is originally from Horsham in West Sussex, first came to Chester to study applied biology in 1999.
She went on to work in health care, but was inspired to become a midwife after having her own children.
It was 2012 when she returned to education as a mature student. Her love of the city and a warm welcome at an open day convinced her Chester was the place to do it.
Aimi first had to complete an access to healthcare diploma before going on to study midwifery at the UoC.
But her marriage ended weeks before the degree started, leaving her alone to care for her young children.
With the help of friends and staff, the mum-of-five was able to balance the commitments of being a student and a parent.
Aimi said: “I have had excellent support from the university.
“My personal tutor Jo Bates has been fantastic throughout the entire degree with all academic, placement and personal support issues.
“All the lecturers are very approachable and happy to help.
“The staff in the library and study skills have been really great sources of advice and support.
“Our departmental secretary, Shirley Bowers has also been a great source of support and information, sharing learning opportunities such as study days with us.”
Aimi was awarded the health and social care prize at valedictory, the university’s annual prize-giving service, for the student deemed to have demonstrated the best academic progress.
UoC senior lecturer in health and social care Karen Lunt said: “Aimi has achieved a lot with her hard work and dedication and she is a role model for her fellow students and her family.
“Aimi will be a safe, effective professional, who will be respected and an inspiration to staff, students and women alike.”
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