A Hadlow College student has just celebrated a very special graduation day, one she shared with her daughter.
Karen Adams, who studied FdSc Equine Management at Hadlow College, graduated at Rochester Cathedral on Thursday morning (24 July), whilst her daughter Connie graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science from the University of Greenwich that very same afternoon. There was even more reason to celebrate as Karen graduated with a Merit and Connie with a First, Karen was also nominated for the LANDEX Learner of the Year award.
The unique family milestone was a proud moment for both, marking the end of years of hard work, juggling deadlines, and encouraging one another through their studies.
For Karen it was a big step, returning to education after more than 40 years, having previously worked in childcare for over two decades. Initially planning on taking a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, Karen changed her mind following encouragement from Patrick Delaney, Lecturer in Equine at Hadlow College, and enrolled on a degree course.
“I was very nervous at first,” Karen admits. “I was extremely aware of the age difference between myself and the other students - and even some of the lecturers! But everyone was so supportive. I definitely struggled with IT to start with, but the staff and students were brilliant and really helped me find my feet.”
Reflecting on her time at Hadlow, Karen says the hands-on, outdoor nature of the course was a major highlight.
“It’s a great land-based college with so many practical opportunities. Being outside gave us time to build skills, ask questions, and learn directly from the staff, who are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.”
Now working as an instructor, coach and groom at a riding school, Karen is continuing her professional development with BHSAI training and is also planning to refresh her sports horse massage qualifications and take a thermal imaging course next year.
Graduating on the same day as her daughter has made the moment even more meaningful.
“It’s all a bit surreal - a proudness and a sense of achievement,” she says. “We’ve been able to support each other through our courses. Connie’s helped me with IT and we’ve shared revision techniques, even though we were on totally different courses.”
For Connie, who has recently secured a role with Surrey Police, the shared graduation was a day she won’t forget.
“We’ve both worked incredibly hard, and being able to celebrate our achievements together made it all the more special,” she said. “Graduating alongside my mum was truly inspiring — she’s shown it’s never too late to learn or follow your passion.”
Although their subjects were very different, the pair still found ways to support each other.
“I’d sometimes help my mum with things like formatting or referencing,” Connie added. “But she was incredibly independent and handled most of the studying on her own.”
Karen’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to return to education, change career paths, or pursue something new and Hadlow College offers a variety of educational pathways designed to suit all career ambitions, including Foundation Degrees and Top Up Degrees, to find out more visit the University Centre page of the Hadlow College website.
Hadlow College also offers a range of Equine Management courses, and provides extensive facilities including two indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena and stabling for 64 horses.
Students have the opportunity to gain hands on practical experience, ride and compete quality horses, gain knowledge and develop practical skills in horse husbandry, horse handling, grooming, application of tack and equipment, feeding and routine yard management and more.
To find out more visit the Equine Management subject page of the Hadlow College website.