Emil graduates this week with an MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Queen’s University Belfast.

During the course of her master’s degree, Emil tragically lost her mum. At a time when stepping back from her studies would have been completely understandable, Emil chose instead to continue, determined to honour her mum’s wish that she follow in her footsteps and complete her third-level education. Her commitment to her studies, goals, and to her mum’s memory has brought her to this milestone.

“Education was always something my mam was deeply passionate about. One of her greatest wishes was to see me and my siblings follow in her footsteps and graduate from third-level education, just as she had."

"When I began this MSc, she was undergoing treatment for cancer, and as a family we held onto the hope that by the time graduation arrived she would have made a full recovery and be standing beside us. Being away from home in Belfast during that time was difficult knowing she was unwell while I continued my studies. I was fortunate to have her with me at my undergraduate graduation, which made this moment feel especially bittersweet.”

“Graduating without her here made the day a little sadder than I had expected and marked by a quiet sense of absence. Yet as I walked across the stage, I knew the moment still belonged to her, shaped by her belief in education and the values she passed on to us.”

Throughout her time at Queen’s, Emil remained determined and engaged - qualities recognised by the staff who supported her. Among them was Careers and Work Placement Consultant Grace Heatley, who worked closely with Emil as she prepared for her placement with BIOTEC in Thailand. Grace shares her congratulations:

“Emil, your strength and perseverance over the past year has been remarkable and I’m delighted to see you graduate today. You should be incredibly proud of all you have achieved.”

“Wishing you every success as you begin this next chapter.”

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