Deserved award for Joanne
Mum takes top gong
A mother of five from Wishaw has won an award for Academic Excellence at New College Lanarkshire’s annual awards ceremonies.
Joanne Chivers was nominated by her lecturers after studying HNC Social Services at the College’s Motherwell Campus.
The 31- year- old was able to complete her coursework, achieve the full complement of work placement hours and give birth to her fifth child during her HNC year.
The teaching staff worked closely with Joanne to create a plan that would allow her to submit work ahead of her peers in preparation for the arrival – and she returned to her studies six weeks after having her son.
Joanne said: “It’s unbelievable to know that the staff would even think of me for this award. It’s an honour.
“Studying came with its stresses, but overall it was amazing – I loved the teaching staff and the experience of getting on placement, building up my skills and knowing that I had the support of my lecturers especially in the last year.
“There were times when I felt like giving up, but they wouldn’t give up on me.”
Having returned to full-time education as a mature student, Joanne previously studied National 5 in Care and NC Health and Social Care.
Curriculum and Quality Leader Loraine Mcdermott said: “Joanne continued to attend college and submit assessments of an extremely high academic standard despite many major challenges during her three years of study.
“She worked tirelessly and completed all of her assessments and placement hours to achieve her HNC.”