For Karen Rendall, university was a life-changing experience, despite coming later than for most of her fellow students.
The 52-year-old from Cruden Bay picked up a degree in social work from Robert Gordon University (RGU) yesterday – just weeks after she secured a job as a care manager with Aberdeenshire Council.
She explained what motivated her to go into higher education for the first time.
She said: “I got a job in a care home, which I absolutely loved, however I wanted to progress. I took a look at my life and thought I could do more with it.
“All my children apart from one were up and working, which made it easier to make this decision.”
Before going to RGU she completed a course in social sciences at Fraserburgh College, where she surpassed her own expectations.
She said: “I did an access course as I wasn’t even sure I had the ability to study.
“To my surprise, I passed with flying colours and went on to complete my higher national certificate and higher national diploma in social sciences.”
From there, she applied and gained entrance to the second year of the social work degree at RGU.
Despite her initial doubts it had been an enriching experience.
She said: “I absolutely love my new job working with older adults, doing this course has changed my life.”