A north-east graduate has proved anything is possible after completing her PhD while moving house, getting married and having a baby.
Claire Ghee picked up her PhD in agriculture and soil after successfully balancing her studies with her new family.
The 35-year-old, of Peterhead, said: “I loved my degree, it allowed me to do a lot of practical work with the James Hutton institute.
“But I actually had my little boy Joseph whilst I was doing my PhD so that definitely added to the stress and the pressures in quite a few ways.
“When I found out I was pregnant I had finished my lab work thankfully but was just beginning to start with my write up, and then I had Joseph just before I was due to finish my PhD. It was really an incredible few months and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that period in my life.”
On top of that, Mrs Ghee also got married and relocated to Peterhead.
She said: “Obviously when I found out I was pregnant it was great news, but the year as a whole was a big for us as I also got married and moved house in Peterhead, so it was all a lot to take in and manage.
“Balancing it all wasn’t easy by any stretch – my husband was instrumental in holding down the fort whilst I was completing my write up, he was a huge help.”
And Mrs Ghee hopes her success will inspire other young mums to follow in her footsteps.
She said: “I have always been career orientated but to graduate today and having my son is just the best feeling.
“If anyone is having similar circumstances, it is difficult of course but is it also doable, if you have the family support and the dedication its totally worth it, now I have PhD and a beautiful baby.”
