Altine says she loves being a young Mum, as she has the energy to do things, “But it is isolating at times as people think you can't do anything and leave you out of things. It's a blessing but hard at times.”

She says her studies were disrupted:

 “My dissertation and a few other assignments were affected as I had to give birth earlier than planned, but I was luckily given an extension.”

Supportive Circles

She says she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family, friends and university tutors.

Altine describes her pride attending her graduation: “I actually can’t believe I it happened to me, but I did it and I’m so happy.”

Sheffield Hallam University Lecturer, Philo Holland says: “I remember sitting next to Altine in the graduation ceremony and asking her where baby Amelia was. Altine pointed up and above us on the balcony Altine’s mother held out this adorable little baby like the moment with Simba in the Lion King”

After university, the realisation of having to put her child’s needs before hers was hard. She says: “It was a big change, because things you wanted to do, you now couldn’t – my friends went to New York as a graduation celebration and I couldn’t go.”

Funding and Advice

Altine was used to living off a student budget, so after Amelia was born she admits there were times when she struggled. “Financially it was a huge strain, but I was quite good at managing my money. You just have to find ways to cope and look for support.”

Offering her advice to anybody who is pregnant whilst in education, she says: “Just don’t panic. Talk to people. Speak to your tutors and let them know what is going on and plan ahead, so that you complete as many assignments before you are due.”