After leaving school at aged 16 to follow her dream of working with horses, Penny Hood believed her lack of qualifications would permanently bar her from higher education.
But thanks to the University of Dundee's part time access course, which helps potential students get the exam passes they need to take up a university course, Penny won an undergraduate place studying Zoology. She was a top student, last year receiving the Jonathan Glover Prize for top 3rd year studentand now about to graduate with a first class Honours degree in Zoology.
Penny, whose husband Alistair curates theUniversity of Dundee's botanic garden, said, "I thought I would give the access course a go because I had always wondered if I would be able to do it, but didn't really think I would end up completing a degree. However, the course gave me a confidence boost and by the end of it I was really looking forward to starting my degree, which I enjoyed more and more with every year I completed.
Penny now plans to have a few months off to spend with her 11 year-old son Andrew as well a volunteering for the Dundee Red Squirrel Project. She then hopes to go into an educational role, teaching children about animals.
Penny will be available for a photograph following her graduation ceremony tomorrow, July 11, which ends at approx. 3.45pm
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk