Edwina and Kerry-Ann completed their degrees online from the Cayman Islands
A mother and daughter have described graduating from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) as a dream come true – after travelling from the Cayman Islands to collect their degrees.
Edwina Tijani and Kerry-Ann Beckett completed a BA Business Management and MSc Human Resource Management respectively, studying online from their home in the Caribbean.
Having completed her undergraduate degree with ENU, 36-year-old Kerry-Ann suggested that her mum study alongside her while she took on her masters.
After successfully navigating their programmes, they both decided to make their first trip to Scotland to graduate with fellow students from The Business School at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
Both mothers to three children, they also completed their studies alongside full-time jobs. 52-year-old Edwina is a senior analyst with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, while Kerry-Ann is a civil servant in human resources at the government’s Ministry of Education.
Edwina said: “At first when Kerry-Ann asked me to do it I said ‘I’m done studying!’ But I took on the challenge because I knew she would support me, and I could rely on her.
“We were a team together, she is my biggest supporter, my motivator. Working together has been a real fantastic journey and without her it wouldn’t be possible. To be here today is a really great experience for us.
“Edinburgh Napier have been really supportive. The time difference was a challenge but we made the sacrifice – even though we are both mums and work full time.
“It was a real ride but we’re grateful to God that we made it. To be here today, it’s a dream come true.”
Kerry-Ann said: “My masters was certainly no walk in the park. It was definitely challenging, but I persevered – and doing it together with my mum has certainly been a benefit.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be here to graduate. I didn’t come here first time around, but to be here with mum, I’m glad I waited.
“I couldn’t be more excited to close this chapter and move on to the next one.
“I’ve had a look at maybe doing a doctorate in the future. I told my kids I want to do my next studying with them, so let’s see if they can do what mum and I did!”