A New Chapter Begins

On September 9th, 2015, I stood on stage, flanked by my family and the love of my life, The Pirate, as I received my Master’s Degree from Falmouth University, presented by none other than Dawn French. This moment filled me with immense pride, especially since I had achieved an outstanding distinction—something I never imagined possible just a few years prior. Six days later, I celebrated my 45th birthday, an age I once thought would be unattainable.

Reflecting on 2012, I was 41, recovering from a significant surgery after my second cancer scare, while also navigating the end of my marriage. Living in North Yorkshire, I felt lost, lonely, and uncertain about my future. However, a conversation with a friend in Falmouth sparked a glimmer of hope and possibility.

The first day at university was a revelation. I felt in my bones that I had made the right choice, despite the upheaval and fear surrounding it. Years earlier, I had completed a Higher National Diploma in commercial illustration in Falmouth, but life’s challenges had stifled my creativity and passion for storytelling.

I yearned to reconnect with my love for storytelling and return to Falmouth. However, at 41, I wrestled with the notion that I might be too old for university. Thankfully, I had the cautious support of my parents and a few encouraging friends, who stood by me as I navigated a challenging winter while working as a “General Dogsbody” at Rievaulx Abbey and crafting a portfolio of dreams.

When I finally began my postgraduate studies in Authorial Illustration at Falmouth University in October 2012, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions—excitement, fear, and liberation—all at once. I knew that taking this leap was something to be proud of; it was a risk worth taking to discover whether my passion could be pursued.

The journey ahead was beyond my wildest expectations. I forged friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and my remarkable tutors pushed me to realize my potential. I immersed myself in the university experience, working harder than I ever had before, spending days creating and nights dancing, swimming under the moonlight, and even drumming at Stonehenge with newfound friends. I fell in love with a pirate who lived on a boat, and by the end of my time there, I had surpassed my own expectations, graduating with a distinction and a body of work I couldn’t have envisioned.

The most important lesson I learned during these two transformative years was that it’s never too late to start anew. I wasn’t the oldest in my class, but even if I had been, it wouldn’t have mattered. I approached university with a spirit of openness—I was eager to meet new people, learn, and rediscover the enchantment of life. My willingness to connect allowed me to bond with individuals of all ages, including those in their twenties and sixties. I refused to let age define my experiences. I attended parties, enjoyed life’s moments a bit too much, and walked home at dawn, listening to the morning birds.

One year after my MA exhibition, I donned my graduation regalia and reflected on those extraordinary two years. Accepting my Master’s felt like a form of closure, a moment to ponder what the future might hold.

Life remains unpredictable. Nearly seven years have passed since that day, and I’ve faced numerous ups and downs. However, my time as a mature postgraduate taught me that I can achieve anything if I truly desire it.

Life, I’ve learned, can be an incredible adventure—if only you allow it to be.