Published on 07 May 2019
University of Sunderland’s Amanda Dryden is an expert at ‘life juggling’.
The Biomedical Science student has her hands full caring for her three young children, trying to complete her studies, as well as working in schools across the area.
But, despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to give her friends a helping hand.
Now, the 32-year-old has been nominated for our Rate Your Mate award which aims to shine a light on hard working students who go above and beyond in their studies, life and work while at the University.
The mum was picked as a nominee by pal Bethany Lamond, 21, a third year Physiological Science student.
Bethany, from Durham, said: “Whenever any of us think we are having a bad day, we just remember how much Amanda has on her hands and realise just how lucky we are.”
But, despite her hectic professional and personal schedule, Amanda knows exactly where she is going in life.
As she prepares to graduate this summer, the Roker mum has secured herself a 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.”
When she is not studying to be a teacher, Amanda 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.
Amanda said: “I suppose I am a pretty busy a lot of the time and it is challenging having three children to look after.”
Amanda, who is married to Steve, 33, is mum to Sid, four, Francesca, five, and 10-year-old Izzy.
Bethany said: “She does an amazing job, Sometimes she arrives at University for lectures and when she tells us the kind of busy morning she’s had, we can’t believe it.
“Sometimes when I get stressed about revision or exams, I think about how much Amanda has on her plate and it puts things into perspective.”
Rate Your Mate is unique in that all nominations are made by friends of the nominees who are also based at the University.
Any student who would like to nominate their friend can email rate@sunderland.ac.uk and let us know what makes your mate amazing.