A mother of five children, Lucy Hardie, has achieved a remarkable feat by graduating with a doctorate from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Lucy’s journey to obtaining her PhD in vaping research was a testament to her tenacity and dedication. She had already earned a bachelor of health sciences and a master’s of public health prior to pursuing her doctorate.
Hardie’s research topic, which focused on vaping, held real-life implications for her family and led to policy changes. She successfully advocated for a ban on cartoon advertising of vapes, and her work even caught the attention of TVNZ’s Sunday program.
In an interview, Lucy emphasized the value of her children’s input and on-the-ground knowledge, stating, I’ve gained the theoretical knowledge of these issues, but my children gave me a lot of input and on-the-ground knowledge of what it’s really like.
Studying for her doctorate provided Lucy with intellectual stimulation and a sense of accomplishment, as well as a much-needed break from the daily routine of managing a household with five children. She also wanted to set an example for her children, showing them that she could invest herself in other pursuits beyond motherhood.
Lucy’s advice to others is to keep seeking out interesting things and to persist in their endeavors. Her story is an inspiration to parents and individuals alike, highlighting the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Lucy Hardie’s achievement is not the only remarkable educational journey to make headlines recently. Ben Duamlong, a 70-year-old former Super Eagles assistant coach, obtained a first-class degree from the University of Jos in Plateau state, Nigeria. After retiring as a football coach, Duamlong pursued his passion for education and enrolled in a degree program in painting. His dedication and drive are a testament to the fact that age should never be a deterrent to pursuing one’s dreams.
Another individual who defied age limitations is Mr. Farouk Sanni, a 60-year-old retired banker from the United Bank of Africa (UBA). Sanni recently graduated with a first-class degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His commitment and hard work were rewarded with eight awards, as he emerged as the best-graduating student in his department. Sanni’s story emphasizes the notion that it’s never too late to pursue education and fulfill lifelong dreams.
These incredible achievements by Lucy Hardie, Ben Duamlong, and Farouk Sanni serve as reminders that education knows no boundaries, and with determination, anyone can overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Their stories inspire individuals of all ages to pursue lifelong learning and to never stop striving for personal growth and academic excellence.
