The Coleman family graduation crawl of 2010 continued today as Chris and I headed down to Kings Lynn to witness Paul and Louise graduate in St Nicholas Chapel. In many ways today was the celebration of real determination to get on and do something significant for both of them. In different ways they have both overcome so many obstacles to emerge not only smiling but with good and hard earned degrees.
Although he'd always loved History and English Paul struggled to find the right path for study when we returned from living in Texas. He had graduated from High School there and the difference in the education system was huge. Being diagnosed with type one diabetes only complicated life and Paul had to come to terms with lots of changes. He met Kamilla while taking a year out and there followed a difficult marriage and marriage break-up didn't help matters and he found it hard to find work and to maintain a relationship with his daughter Rosabella ( that is an ongoing battle). After a difficult few years Paul decided to go back to study to follow a much earlier dream of teaching History. He went to The College of West Anglia in Kings Lynn, and that is where he met Louise.
Like Paul Louise has overcome many difficulties in life, but was determined to do something more than watch TV ( her words). So alongside bringing up three lovely daughters, Olivia, Georgia and Ellie she embarked on an access course at West Anglia, where she met Paul. Paul and Louise married last year, and were apparently the first couple at the college to meet, marry and graduate together!
Today we saw Paul graduate with a BA Hons in History and English, and Louise graduate with a BA Hons in Psychosocial Studies. Louise was also presented with the Anglia Ruskin Student of the Year Award. They both want to teach, Louise is currently working at Springwood High School in Kings Lynn, and Paul has applied for the Graduate Teacher Programme to begin next September. We are VERY PROUD OF BOTH OF THEM.
Paul, Louise and the girls at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park
