A mother and her daughter are beginning a new educational journey together this week by starting a new course at the same college at the same time.
Emma Day, 52, from Hadleigh and her 16-year-old daughter Libby Powell from Ipswich have signed up to study two different programmes at Suffolk New College.
Emma, a language teacher, is gearing up for the greenhouses as she joins classmates on a level two horticulture course at the Suffolk Rural campus.
Whilst Libby is hoping to get a flying start on a health and social care programme (at the Suffolk New College Ipswich campus) as she aims to complete this programme before following a dream of joining the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Emma said: “I’ve recently gone down to three days a week (as a teacher). I’ve enrolled with the idea of eventually building up the gardening (as a future career). I like the outdoors – it’s my happy place. I’m really excited (to be starting the course).
I’ve got my plant list and my daughter has been testing me on the Latin names (of plants) – and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve heard good things about the college.”
In terms of going to college with Libby at the same time, Emma said: “I’m delighted. We will be at different campuses. But we will definitely help each other. There will be some friendly competition and I’m sure she is a little bit proud.”
Libby said: “I chose the course as I wanted to do something medical. I’m looking forward to having more independence and getting the skills I need to start my dream career with the RAF. Starting at the same college with my mum seems weird – but we will of course support each other.”