An Aberdeen mother who battled depression and bipolar disorder was among yesterday’s proud graduates.
Elaine Hamilton collected her degree in accounting and finance at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday.
She admitted there were times she nearly gave up as she battled her mental health problems.
Matters were made worse still when her six-year-old son, Jai, was diagnosed with ADHD.
But now, degree in hand and already working as a financial controller, the 36-year-old is proud she managed to juggle her studies, motherhood, and running a household as she “dug in and didn’t give up”.
Having gone straight into work after school, personal circumstance had stopped Ms Hamilton from chasing her dream of a job in accountancy until her thirties.
After studying an HND at North East Scotland College she was accepted on to the RGU course.
She said: “It was difficult returning to education in my thirties and it was daunting, however the support I got from lecturers was amazing.
“I had a hard time at university and after battling with depression and anxiety following the birth of my son, I was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder while sitting my exams during my last year.
“It was a very difficult time but RGU was very supportive and allowed me to finish my exams later.”
