Don't Tell Me I Can't… ...Graduate In My Fifties

When Andrea Garvey fell pregnant at 16, she thought she’d never get her Law degree

- Saskia Murphy

Fixing my square graduation cap firmly onto my head, I felt the tears well up. After years of studying and dedication, I’d finally done it – and, as I collected my degree and shook hands with the course master, I could hear my family roaring with claps and cheers.

For as long as I could remember, I’d always wanted to study Law, and now here I was qualifying – albeit in my 50s. As a child, I loved watching court-room dramas on TV and was fascinated by the role of judges and lawyers. Nobody in my family had been to university, but I was determined to be different.

When I was 15, I applied to do an apprenticeship at a law firm near my home in Port Talbot, Wales, and was delighted when I landed a spot.

Then, in April 1983, just a few weeks before I was due to finish school, I discovered I was pregnant. Although I was young, I was determined to be a good mum – but I was disappointed to give up the apprenticeship. I knew I couldn’t juggle it with a newborn.