Family life can be hectic at the best of times - from The Brady Bunch to the Walton’s the dynamic has been analysed, stretched, and pulled apart time and time again - but one thoroughly modern family has taken things to the next level.
Three members from the Waller family from Sunderland have graduated this summer.
Daughter Elisha has graduated with a degree in Sociology. “I started in 2011 and did a year of ICT but then swapped courses, and that was the year my mum and dad started.”
Mum Debra, 43, has graduated in Psychology, while dad Gary, 47, has graduated with a degree in Business and Finance.
For Debra, who is currently a Labour Ward councillor, university is the realisation of a long-standing dream after she had previously turned down the opportunity for higher education, and believed it wouldn’t come around again.
For Gary University is a chance to take his career in a different direction, after an operation forced him to think about his long-term future. Alongside his studies Gary works part-time at crane manufacturer Liebherr.
Debra says: “We have all found this year very stressful, but we have all managed to complete our dissertations which is a relief. Gary and I have applied for a Masters degree. I have applied for Environmental Health and Safety which I have been offered a conditional offer and Gary has applied for a Business and Finance masters which he has had a conditional offer.
“Elisha has also been offered a place to start a PGCE in Computer Science and my youngest daughter, Stephanie, will be joining the University in September to do Media so it will truly be a family affair.”