For most students, studying for a degree is one of the biggest challenges they will face in life.
But Karan Taylor had to grapple with her coursework while battling a life-threatening disease.
The 45-year-old – who works as a PA at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital – managed to achieve her degree in business management while undergoing treatment for breast cancer after being diagnosed shortly after she completed her second year.
And this week’s academic success is something she can share with her daughter Amie, who will graduate from RGU tomorrow with a degree in applied social sciences.
Ms Taylor, who now lives in Tillydrone, picked up the honour at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday.
She said: “It feels amazing – it’s extra special to be here because of the illness.
“It was tough at times, even without my illness. Many nights were spent at the kitchen table writing essays or studying for exams. I found the whole experience very rewarding and I’m so glad I did it and completed it and I am very proud of myself for achieving my degree. I left school with O Levels and no Highers so to now have a degree is really quite an achievement.
“I started this once my children were grown up a bit and could look after themselves but it was tough. My eldest daughter was also doing her degree at the same time so sometimes our house was filled with two of us trying to revise for exams.
“It is tough but I chose to do this and wanted to complete it. I have always tried to instil in my children that if you want something out of life then you have to work hard to get it.
“Even during my treatment everyone was there for me and I think that will be a lasting memory for me. I have made friends for life and we still all go out and enjoy ourselves even though university has come to an end.”