A final-year Psychology student couldn't be prouder that her two elder sons have joined her at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Louise Cunliffe has enjoyed every moment of her university experience, a dream that had to go on hold for more than 20 years.
She has balanced her studies with the demands of being a single mum of four and her commitments as Disabled Students' Representative for De Montfort Students' Union (DSU).
Now she has inspired sons Sebastian, 24, and Ben, 19, to further their studies.
She said: "When you want something so much and enjoy it so much, you find time to do it and fit it in.
"My children are very supportive and I like to think I have raised their aspirations."
Louise was an A-level student when she experienced the sudden traumatic bereavement of her brother and then the following year became a single parent to Sebastian, who is profoundly deaf and has ADHD.
"I had a family and my life went on hold," Louise said.
She continued her education at night school and with the Open University, but felt she had to pursue her dream of going to university, so came along to a DMU Open Day.
Louise said: "That day in 2014 changed my life. Within the next two months I applied and was accepted.
"I love it at DMU! I don't want to leave. I am thinking about going for a full-time position with the students' union and looking at a master's or PhD."
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Earlier this year she received a VC Fund award, presented to inspirational students who have overcome significant challenges to continue their studies. The award has enabled her to head off on an "amazing" #DMUglobal trip to Paris to find out more about cognitive neuropsychology.
Sons Sebastian and Ben are both happy to have joined their mum at university, and are studying foundation courses in Art and Performance (acting) respectively.
Ben, who is currently creating a drama piece based around depression, said: "Seeing someone you look up to do something as big as that has an impact on your choices.
"The course is completely different to what I've done before and a lot more intense but I'm enjoying it."
But there is one disadvantage to studying at the same university as your mum! Ben joked: "In the induction with the DSU I was pointed out as Louise's son, which felt awkward!"
Brother Sebastian loves being based in the art tower of the Vijay Patel building and having his own art space.
He uses an interpreter and has a note-taker and people to help with English, as British Sign Language is his first language.
He said: "There is brilliant provision to help me communicate."
Sebastian, who has already passed his first assessment, added: "Hopefully I'll go on to do a full-time degree here either in Fine Art or Game Art. It's difficult to decide but it will be something arty."
Posted on Friday 18 November 2016