Graduation Tales: Double celebration for student son and his Midwife Mum

Alison and Joseph Strong

This week, Alison Strong and her eldest son Joseph, from Cwmbran, are celebrating graduating from University of South Wales (USW).

After completing his A-levels at Croesyceiliog Comprehensive school, Joseph applied to study BA (Hons) Journalism. However, having decided to leave her 20-year teaching career, Alison’s path onto her chosen course wasn’t quite so smooth.

She said: “It wasn’t intentional that we would study at USW at the same time. I had actually applied to study midwifery a few times unsuccessfully. But after gaining more experience, volunteering at Royal Gwent Hospital and as a community nursery nurse at Flying Start, I was accepted on to the course the same year that Joseph started Uni.

“The course has had its challenges, because of Covid, but it has been really good. Because we could still work on placements, albeit wearing full PPE, it offered a bit of normality throughout lockdown.

“I actually enjoyed learning from home. As a mum of three, it meant that I could still do the school runs, walk the dogs etc, as I was saving on travel time.”

Joseph was in his second year when the pandemic hit.

He said: “Our lectures became virtual and that didn’t bother me. A highlight was our ‘news days’ when we had to create news packages for TV or Radio.

“It was losing my social life and the isolation that was most difficult for me, like many others.”

Currently living in Cardiff, Joseph is now working at Vue Cinema whilst figuring out his next steps. Alison has a job lined up for September.

She said: “On the same day that I delivered my 40th baby [a milestone for all student midwives], I was so pleased to be offered a job at The Grange hospital in Cwmbran.

“I expect we will do something as a family to celebrate. I am considering hiring a cap and gown for photos, and holding a party in the garden, to mark the occasion.

“If anyone is considering a change in career, I would advise to go for it. Being a mature student has definitely helped with studies and placements.”