Mum achieves academic success despite battling serious illness

WHEN Lyn Young puts her mind to something, nothing stands in the way.

The Connah’s Quay mum-of-four left her job as a nail technician five years ago to pursue a career in hairdressing.

Lyn joined a Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing at Coleg Cambria Deeside before quickly progressing to Levels 2 and 3.

The 46 year-old then achieved a HND Distinction in Hair and Beauty Management and advanced to a one-year PGCE teaching qualification with the dream of becoming a lecturer in the subject.

Despite being struck down with Chron’s Disease – an inflammatory bowel condition – at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and having the long-term illness Fibromyalgia, Lyn completed her studies during the Spring.

Now working as a teaching assistant for children with additional learning needs (ALN), she encourages others to follow her lead and says you’re never too old to try and better yourself.

“I decided on a complete change in direction in 2016, I needed a fresh start and my children inspired me to return to education,” said Lyn.

“When I joined Coleg Cambria I was made to feel welcome straight away; my confidence rose and I quickly moved from Level 1 to Level 3 and then the HND, which I secured with a Distinction.

“Teaching is something that was of interest to me and I’m so glad I studied for the PGCE at the college. I had some incredible lecturers who already knew me and planted the seed for me to continue, so it was a no-brainer for me to stay at Deeside in surroundings I was familiar with.”

She added: “Going away to university was not an option for me, but at Deeside I could achieve a higher education on my doorstep. The facilities are unparalleled and so was the standard of lectures, online and in person.

“While I am not lecturing in hair and beauty at present the PGCE has opened up other avenues for me and I am absolutely loving my new role. Every day is different, and when I was diagnosed with Chron’s Disease it showed me you can’t sit back and feel sorry for yourself, you have to push on and move forward.

“Whatever obstacles and challenges came my way I was able to overcome them with the support of my family and the staff at Cambria. I can’t thank them enough and am excited to see what the future holds.”

Emma Hurst, Dean of HE and an Assistant Principal at Coleg Cambria, congratulated Lyn on her dedication and perseverance.

“For Lyn to have progressed so quickly from a Level 1 to a PGCE despite the pandemic and personal challenges she has had to face is quite amazing,” said Emma.

“Our University Centre and higher education offering is becoming more and more attractive to prospective students and interest is growing all the time, especially among those who want to study close to home in first class facilities.

“We can offer that and more, and Lyn is a fantastic example of what you can achieve when you put your mind to it – congratulations again.”