Graduation Tales: Driven by love for her son, Sophie is first-class mum

The International Convention Centre Wales in Newport will this week see thousands of our graduates from 2020 and 2021 finally cross the stage in their cap and gown. To mark the return of our graduation ceremonies, we are sharing the stories of some of our inspirational students.

Sophie McGrath, from Pontypridd, graduated with a first-class degree from University of South Wales (USW) despite struggling with mental illness throughout her studies.

Just before she started her degree course, single-mum Sophie was diagnosed with complex PTSD and a personality disorder. She said:

“I have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was 15. I had been back and forth to the doctors, but nothing was making me feel better. It was a very confusing time.

“I had postnatal depression after my son was born but I just knew there was something else going on. I went for an assessment and finally had a diagnosis that made sense.”

Sophie’s son was five when she joined the BSc (Hons) Criminology, Criminal Justice and Youth Justice course at USW, so she needed to fit childcare around her lectures.

Having studied for her A-levels in Coleg y Cymoedd, it was a tutor there who suggested that she might enjoy studying criminology at university level.

She said: “I was quite nervous about it, but I researched the topic and it sounded interesting - something I could get stuck into.

“My brother had studied at USW and loved his student experience, so I decided to follow in his footsteps. As soon as I went to my first lecture, I was fascinated, which was a relief, because it was a huge decision to go to university while my son was so young.”

Sophie didn’t find studying came easily to her and assumed this was down to her mental health. In her second year, she reached out to USW Student Services for support.

“I had an assessment and was diagnosed with dyslexia. I was 25 so being diagnosed so late in life was a massive awakening for me. I had convinced myself I was stupid, but everything suddenly made sense. There was an explanation,” Sophie said.

“USW assigned me a mental health mentor and a Study Skills Tutor, which was amazing. There were challenges and there were times where I thought I wouldn’t finish the course, but I understand my privilege in that I have a very supportive family. My boy was my motivation. I was doing it for him as well, not just for me. I was 18 when he was born. I wanted to say to him, ‘I did this, it was hard but you can do it too’. I want to be his role model.”

Sophie drew on her own experience to focus her dissertation research on mental health and the Criminal Justice system. She now works for Action for Children, a charity who support young people with additional needs. She said:

“I can’t believe I will finally cross the stage with my mum, son and partner there, who have been a huge part of my journey. It is a celebration my hard work.”