For generations, graduation ceremonies have been a time to celebrate dedication and a lot of hard work, for students and their families.
Last week, one family had two reasons to pop the champagne corks as a mother and daughter graduated just a day apart.
Debbie Kilsby, Senior Lecturer in Specialist Community Public Health, has gained her Doctorate of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care and daughter Anna Todd achieved a 2:1 in the Bachelor of Arts in Learning and Teaching.
Debbie’s research for her Doctorate of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care explored ‘Transitions to parenthood; care-experienced young fathers’ perspectives’.
Debbie has interviewed young men who have previously been in care and are now fathers, to discuss their experiences of becoming a dad, what support has been helpful for them and what hasn’t. Her findings are set to be published in 2026.
Debbie says: “Anna and I didn’t have a lot of cross over, but studying at the same time was a nice experience. We had conversations about studying and I know about how the University works, so I did help Anna settle in to some degree when she first started but I was conscious of not muscling in and letting her get on with things herself. She soon formed friendships, so didn’t need mum looking over her shoulder!
“We didn’t explicitly support each other, but when things were getting on top of us with deadlines or exams, we had that shared experience and it was an easy thing to talk about it and boost each other’s confidence. ‘Don’t worry, you’re nearly done and know what you’re doing, you’re right.
Anna adds: “I never saw myself as ‘academic’, someone who would do a degree, but I love working with children and the thought of being a teacher, or working in education with them, has always been interesting.
“Having my mum work at the local university definitely got me thinking about it. I didn’t see Mum that often as I was only on campus one day a week, but it was a bit embarrassing when she did suddenly appear. Not ‘hide behind my books’ embarrassed, but I’d her give a quick wave and then get back to studying! My friends thought it was funny us both being at university the same time, but it wasn’t a big deal.
“There have been lots of moments when I thought ‘this isn’t for me’, but I kept on going until I got passed it. I’m so proud now to be at the end and am already in a job at a local school, which is exactly where I want to be.
“I love being a teaching assistant but I hope to do a top-up course and become a fully qualified teacher, but this will be after next year as I have some other good news – I will have my first baby in the early part of 2026.”
Debbie concludes: “Walking on the stage was an emotional moment. As an academic, I see it from the other side so it’s unusual but wonderful to cross the stage myself. I feel proud of that and phenomenally proud of Anna as she embarked on this new professional side of herself, partly as she prepares for a little bundle of joy.
“I also think it’s good that our children see we do things like continuing our learning, that we can still achieve academically, and that’s a lovely thing.”