Mum's degree a family first

ROBERT CHARLES/Taranaki Daily News

GRAND DAY: Janice Jessiman spent 4 1/2 years studying for a Bachelor in Applied Social Science (social work).

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It was close, but by graduating today Janice Jessiman has pipped her daughter at the post to become the first person in her family's history to gain a tertiary qualification.

The 46-year-old former Witt student has earned a Bachelor in Applied Social Science (social work) just months before her 23-year-old daughter Jessica McKelvey finishes her international relations and law degrees at Victoria University.

Ms Jessiman spent 4 1/2 years studying at Witt and will see that work pay off this afternoon as one of 218 diploma and degree students marching down Devon St to TSB Showplace where she will go from graduand to graduate.

While having Jessica on her tail was one motivator for Ms Jessiman, she said gaining the qualification had got her to a place she wouldn't have imagined as a teenager leaving school with little behind her.

"I always worked in social services but never had that qualification,' she said.

Ms Jessiman initially studied fulltime towards the two-year national diploma in social work and then when Witt introduced the degree year, she worked fulltime and "slogged away" for 2 1/2 years before finishing at the end of 2008. And while it was hard work, for Ms Jessiman it was definitely worth it.

"I doubt opportunities to travel down the paths I have would have happened without qualification. It's opened doors for me and given me choices I wouldn't have had normally."

Ms Jessiman is manager of Taranaki Women's Refuge and said it's a job she's passionate about and one that fits perfectly with her new degree.

"I think it's about having the opportunity to make a difference, working with people from all walks of life."

And while she graduates, Ms Jessiman will have another member of the family in the audience, her mum.

"I hope she's proud," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News