Graduate becomes a third-generation nurse
Beth Pink has become the third woman in her family to have a career in nursing after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton.
Beth, from Shropshire, returned to education to study Mental Health Nursing after always wanting to become a nurse and follow in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.
The 36-year-old said she always knew she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, but life had taken a different turn.
Inspired by her family at an early age, at the age of 16, Beth applied for a nursing apprenticeship and went on to work as a carer at a local nursing home.
However, with a dedication to furthering her education, Beth decided to study her A-Levels and eventually attended university, to study Philosophy.
During her time at university, Beth still gravitated towards a career in nursing and began volunteering at another nursing home alongside her studies.
After graduating at the age of 23, Beth soon began working as a home carer and continued to do so until she went on to marry her husband and became a mum.
The ambitious mum wanted to inspire her son to never give up on his dreams and applied to study Mental Health Nursing at the University of Wolverhampton.
Beth said: “I'm now in the right career, working with groups of people I've worked with throughout my journey.
“Just recently, I was able to assist a person living with dementia in playing the piano in the community – it was a very special moment for both of us.
“I feel I've brought two passions together – my love for music and supporting people with dementia, and am just so immensely fulfilled and happy to finally be where I’m meant to be.”
Ten years on, Beth now works as a community mental health nurse in the Dementia Assessment and Support Service at Midlands Partnership Foundation NHS Trust.
Beth said: “It’s so surreal and it feels incredible to finally call myself a qualified nurse. I always knew I wanted to be a nurse; life just happened. But I’m so glad I returned to university to pursue my dream and that didn’t give up.
“I have landed my absolute dream role as a dementia nurse and have been working towards this for over ten years - to say that I’m proud of myself and all my friends graduating today, would be an understatement. I am ecstatic!”
Originally from the Midlands, Beth knew when it came to choosing a place to study, the University of Wolverhampton was the place for her.
Beth said: “I have loved my time at University and the environment itself is incredibly friendly. I’ve made lifelong friends on my course, I don’t know where I’d be without them.
“I’ve received so much support from lecturers and University staff, my peers and my friends - everyone genuinely wants you to succeed and it’s amazing to receive that level of support, especially on days when you may not believe in yourself.”