Young mum takes award for being a rising star
A YOUNG mum who at 18 was told to forget her dreams after giving birth to her son has gone on to bag an award for being a “rising star” in education.
Laura Brindley, from Sharnford, chose to ignore the doubters, and is now in her third year of a Biomedical Science degree at Coventry University.
After successfully pitching an idea for a medical innovation to help those with chronic illnesses, the 22-year old won a ‘Woman Who… Rising Star in Further Education’ award for her achievements and in rec- ognition of her overcoming such adversity.
Now, Laura wants to spread the message to other women that having a child or being a young mum does not have to mean you give up on your education.
She said: “I was a single mum, on my own at 18 and everybody told me ‘you can’t have your education, forget about succeeding in life’.
“Society seems to think it is the end of the world, and many people in my position reluctantly give up and accept this fate.
“But I didn’t let them stop me and I want to empower other women to do the same and realise their dreams and potential.
“I’m always driving to succeed and passionate about my field. I refused to let the most difficult time in my life define me negatively, and rather I let it demonstrate my capability in dealing within the consequences.
“There are so many people around telling young women who have children what they can’t do. I want women and mums to know that they can do whatever they want if they are willing to work hard, persevere and be resilient.”
Laura started a foundation year in Health and Life Sciences at Coventry University College, just a few weeks after her son Tyler was born.
She then moved on to a Biomedical Science degree at Coventry University, and is currently on a placement year working at pharmaceutical company Nemaura Pharma Ltd, based in Loughborough.
While there, she came up with an idea for a medical device for a chronic illness, inspired by her brother’s treatment for a debilitating chronic condition.
After support from her colleagues, she ended up pitching her idea to the company’s chief executive.
Although she is unable to reveal anything about the innovation, she has already travelled to London, Edinburgh and Germany to speak to collaborators about the idea, which is now in the process of being funded.
Ann Green, head of Coventry University’s School of Life Sciences, said: “We are all very proud of Laura’s achievements.
“She is an excellent role model and should be an inspiration to any young women looking to further education or a career in science, technology or maths subjects.”