Determined to pursue the dream – Jade graduates as First Class midwife

Jade ParsonsDespite having always wanted to be a midwife, circumstances got in the way and Jade Parsons was forced to put her dreams on hold.

Leaving school aged sixteen with no qualifications and becoming pregnant soon after meant that Jade, from Holywell, had to devote all her time and energy on raising her young family. The dream, however, never dissolved. Determined to plot a course that would lead her to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a fully-qualified midwife, in 2015 Jade enrolled as an adult learner at her local Further Education college, Coleg Cambria, and gained the GCSEs she needed to enrol on an Access to Healthcare course at the college.

Armed with her latest qualification, Jade applied to Bangor University in 2016. She graduates this week with First Class Midwifery degree, having been nominated for numerous national awards during her time here.

Speaking after the ceremony, Jade said:

“I never ever thought I would be wearing a cap and gown and graduating with a First Class honours degree. At times, it was tough combining being a student and being a mum but the determination to improve our lot as a family kept me going and forced me to plan and manage my time effectively. I’d like to thank the lecturers and staff at the University for their tremendous support, which has allowed me to embark on the only career I’ve ever wanted – that of a practicing midwife.”

Commending Jade on her degree, Dr Jude Field, Course Director for the Midwifery programme at the School of Health Sciences, said:

“Throughout her 3 years of training, Jade demonstrated her commitment to midwifery in so many ways. A woman-centred approach to care provision was evident in each of her written and practical assignments, her personal support for fellow students and staff was exemplary, and the way that she overcame some personal challenges by being so focused on her studies was inspirational to see – achieving a 1st in her degree classification was a wonderful conclusion to Jade’s time with us at Bangor and we wish her all the best in her career.”

Jade has recently started working as a midwife at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where she also volunteered prior to her studies.

Publication date: 13 December 2019