Family celebrates double success at Keele graduation
A mother and daughter from Staffordshire have graduated together at Keele University.
When Evie Boucher-Locke visited Keele University for an Open Day in 2012, she fell in love with the campus and decided that it was definitely the place for her to study for a degree in social work. Unbeknownst to Evie, she wasn’t the only person from her family on that visit who was impressed by the University. Evie’s mother, Sarah Boucher - who went along with her daughter to the Open Day - was also impressed. Sarah had been considering postgraduate study for some time, and was so taken with the institution that she decided that it was the place for her too.
Sarah, known to family and friends as Sass, explained:
“When we came for the Open Day, I was already thinking of doing a Masters, but hadn’t found the right course or institution for me. I was so impressed with Keele - the department, the campus, the staff. At first I wondered if Evie would mind me studying at the same place as her, so I asked what she thought about me applying to Keele too. She was fine with it, so we both applied at the same time and, luckily, started together in 2013.”
Sass’ part-time Masters - an MSc in Counselling Psychology - allowed her to carry on working whilst she studied, and lead to her qualifying as a counsellor and psychotherapist in 2015. Her research project the following year received a distinction, and she has been invited to present her work at the BACP Research Conference in 2017.
Sass continued:
“Professionally, the Masters course has given me wings; it’s really given me confidence. I never thought I’d do a Masters, let alone present my research at a national conference. I’ve loved my time at Keele - I just wish I could find another reason to come back!”
Evie also continued to work part-time as a support worker whilst she completed her BA in Social Work. As part of their courses, both mum and daughter undertook placements, and led to them both securing permanent employment. Now working full-time as a Social Worker, Evie commented:
“I really enjoyed the course, the balance of theory and practical work was great - and the placements were really helpful. I loved my time at Keele - and hopefully I’ll be back soon to follow in Mum’s footsteps and do a Masters.”