Published on 09 July 2019
Three little people were cheering on Amanda Dryden as she graduated from the University of Sunderland today.
Izzy, 10, Francesca, five, and four-year-old Sid could not have been more proud of their mum as she picked up her scroll after three years studying Biomedical Science.
Along with husband Steve, 34, the family were all on hand to watch Amanda graduate during a ceremony at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Amanda, 32, from Roker in Sunderland, said: “It’s been an amazing day. I just wanted to get through it without falling over.”
Amanda has spent the past three years juggling family life, working and studying in a bid to fulfil her dream of becoming a teacher.
In between her studies, the mum works for Big Bang Science Parties which sees her going into schools and helping young people with science experiments, including making slime and chemistry cocktails.
But this September Amanda will be starting a new roleafter securing her position at Whitburn School in South Tyneside as part of a teacher training programme.
Amanda said: “I’m hoping to be a science teacher specialising in chemistry.
“The past three years have been amazing and I’ve loved every minute. In some ways it is sad to be leaving but in other ways I’m excited about the challenge ahead.”
The former Monkwearmouth School pupil added: “I’m passionate about sciences and it’s going to be brilliant to be in a classroom teaching young people about the subject.”
The University of Sunderland Academic Awards have been taking place all week at the Stadium of Light.