Graduation 2018: Danielle Turner

Danielle Turner from Canvey had completed the first two years of her HND Performing Arts (Dance) course when she found out she was pregnant.

The 24-year-old took a two year break from education to concentrate on being a mum to Iyla before coming back this year to complete the final year of her HND qualification.

Despite juggling family life and her education, Danielle said it was the best thing to have ever happened.

She said: “The one thing it proved to me is education is not ‘now or never’. Things happen that mean you have to take a step back, but you can always pick things back up again when the time’s right.

“It was challenging raising a child and studying, but the support I received from family, friends and lecturers was amazing and made it all possible. Not only have I managed to get my qualification, I also have my family which is amazing.”

Danielle is now doing an online top up course at Middlesex University to gain her full BA Honours with the ambition of going into teaching.

Despite the challenges of raising a child and studying, Danielle said it also had benefits too.

She said: “Dance is very expressive and visual and I found myself showing Iyla what I was studying and she loved it. It was a great way to not only reinforce my learning and put it into practice, but it was a lovely way to spend time with my daughter.

“My advice to anyone is do what’s best for you, there is always a way to achieve your dream.”