An Inverness student who overcame a family tragedy to achieve great success has graduated from Robert Gordon University.
Rosie Wade joined hundreds of other students celebrating at HM Theatre yesterday as she graduated with a bachelor of science in occupational therapy.
The former Millburn academy pupil was left devastated by her father David’s cancer diagnosis when she was 15.
On leaving secondary school Miss Wade had only one higher in music to her name.
But the 24-year-old endeavoured to get her education back on track, and enrolled at Inverness College.
There she went on to achieve a further nine highers, helping her secure a spot at RGU.
And now she is the first person in her family to graduate from university.
Last night she said she had been keen to study occupational therapy because she wanted to help people.
She said: “I am very proud to be able to say I am graduating as an occupational therapist and to say I have a degree from Robert Gordon University.
“It has been a very challenging four years but I have learned so much personally and professionally from my time at university.
“My family are very supporting, especially after my dad passed away six years ago, and although they are unaware of the academic pressure and how difficult moving away from home can be, they have always been there to support me during the challenging times.
“My dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was 15 during the time I was sitting my exams so my interest in school was quite low.
“Going to college really helped me. The support I got from the lecturers was fantastic and they pushed me to complete my highers and go on to further education.”
While studying at the university Miss Wade also carried out volunteer work, helping prospective students through the campus on open days and raising cash for charities like Denis Law’s Streetsport.
She said: “I got a real sense of reward and achievement being part of Streetsport and think it is an amazing charity which makes a huge difference to the young people in Aberdeen.”
Now she has graduated, Miss Wade plans to travel around South East Asia for a few months before looking for a job in a mental health setting in Aberdeen.