When Mike Zanre started studying for a degree in oil and gas law two years ago, he never dreamed he would be collecting his award yesterday in front of his new baby daughter.
Little Amelia was born seven months ago – which meant Mr Zanre spent the final weeks of his studies juggling his full-time job as a contracts manager, revision for his course and all the duties that being a new father brings.
The 38-year-old, from Westhill, said it had been the best few months of his life, and declared there was no better feeling than stepping up on stage at Aberdeen University in front of his daughter and wife, Lorna.
Mrs Zanre fell pregnant just after her husband finished off his dissertation. He spread his Masters degree over two years so he could still work full-time at Aberdeen-based firm McGregor Consultants.
He said: “It’s been hard – priorities changed and a lot of sacrifices have been made. For example, I had to give up playing for the Grampian Police pipe band.
“It was also hard working during the day and studying at the weekends. But there’s no better feeling having my Masters now and Lorna and Amelia being here today. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
His wife said it was strange looking back to when he first started his degree when the couple hadn’t even thought about starting a family.
“I can’t believe that during the time he’s been studying, I’ve given birth,” she said.
“Now we’re here with our little girl.
“Mike has been so dedicated and committed and we’re both very proud of him.
“But now he can help me out more with sterilising the bottles.”