Julie overcomes the odds to qualify as teacher

A KIRRIEMUIR woman has overcome significant challenges to fulfil her ambition of becoming a primary school teacher.

Despite the “very difficult and challenging” schedule, Julie Mortimer has graduated from Aberdeen University with a postgraduate diploma in education (distance learning i nitial teacher education).

As a distance learning student, the 39-year-old has had to balance the demands of teacher training with her responsibilities as a carer to nine-yearold daughter Naomi, who requires roundthe-clock care.

On top of that, mother-of-two and carer Julie continued to work as a family support worker throughout her studies, which created a hectic schedule that nearly saw her give up on her dream.

Julie said: “My eldest daughter is profoundly disabled, partially sighted, nonmobile, non-verbal and tube-fed for 18 hours every day.

“She also has an erratic sleep pattern but a beautiful smile that lights up my world.

“During my time on t he PGDE course she had a few serious admissions into hospital, as well as contact with numerous hospital clinics and coordinating services to ensure she gets the appropriate medical care.

“Because I was on the distance learning programme I continued my role with Angus Council as a family support worker, so in the evenings I was often studying until very late.

“At times I was exhausted and felt the mountain was too high to climb with the amount of work I had to juggle.

“Luckily I had lots of encouragement from friends and family, particularly my husband Michael and my mum, who have kept me going when life has been very difficult and challenging.”

Julie Mortimer