University of Sunderland

Gemma Hughes

Although Gemma Hughes was older than many students when she first decided to do a degree, her experience at Sunderland has ignited a life-long passion for learning within her.

Gemma was a 26-year-old mother working in retail when she decided four years ago to apply to university to do a degree.

A keen reader, who loved to do English at school, she looked into taking that subject to degree level and was won over by the courses on offer at the University of Sunderland.

She said: "I'd always loved books and reading and was really impressed by the English courses on offer at Sunderland, as there was a lot of flexibility to tailor the course to your individual needs and chose the modules that you liked."

Gemma chose to do a degree in English Language and Literature and loved her time at university from day one.

She said: "The lecturers were great and I met so many fantastic friends that I had an instant support network to ease me straight back into education. I loved my time at university doing my degree - it improved my knowledge, my self-confidence and got me used to going out into new environments and meeting new people."

After graduating, Gemma decided she wanted to go into lecturing and is now teaching English at City of Sunderland College, based at the Bede Centre. She said: "It is so different to the jobs I had done previously and I absolutely love working in a learning environment.

"My time at university also stirred a love of education within me and soon after graduating I started an MA in English Studies and a PGCE, both at the University of Sunderland, which I do part-time on an evening.

"It can be difficult at times juggling a job and studying, but I wouldn't change it for the world and after finishing my Masters and PGCE I'm certainly going to look at what I can study next - maybe a PhD."

Gemma Hughes, Lecturer and Tutor, City of Sunderland College, BA (Hons) English Language and Literature