‘Most people would give up’: Graduate overcomes challenges and lands first-class degree

Maisy Blair, 24, from Gosport achieved a first-class degree in BA (Hons) Primary Teaching with Qualified Teacher Status, despite challenges including parental bereavement during her studies. 

Graduating this week, her academic adviser Rebecca Webb called her an ‘inspiration’. 

Maisy  said she always wanted to be a primary teacher, but health challenges meant she couldn’t finish her A-Levels. After some time out of education, Maisy joined a voluntary programme at a local library, running a rhyme time group for toddlers, and this reignited her dreams to become a teacher. 

She took an access course and then visited a University of Chichester open day – and knew it was the place for her. 

“As soon as I came to the first open day at Bognor campus, it felt right.” 

Maisy started her studies, but in her second year she lost three members of her family, including her father unexpectedly. She wasn’t sure if she could carry on, but her academic advisor Rebecca supported  Maisy to continue. 

“Rebecca met with me every week and went above and beyond,” Maisy said. “The loss of a parent is a massive thing, and most people would give up.” 

With support from Rebecca, Maisy decided to go on placement as planned and focus on her assignments later down the line. 

“One of the best parts for me was the placements. I needed reminding why I was doing this,” she added. 

“Another was the people I have met, I’ve made some friends for life.” 

Maisy’s determination and hard work paid off, as she graduated with a first-class degree, and landed a job as primary teacher in her hometown. 

“I wasn’t planning on going into teaching straight away, but this school came up and I fell in love with it,” Maisy said. “I was actually one of the first of my friends to get a job.”