01/10/2026
Guess what. Your Mum, yes me, received her official graduation photograph.
It brings a smile on my face as I remember a conversation we both had.'Mum I really think you need to do a class to learn how to use a personal computer.' I did the driving licence one. I still can't get my head around this terminology. What's the driving licence course got to do with IT? After a lot of tears and self doubt I did it. I am realising now I have problems with exams. My teacher cottoned on to this at the city college. She asked me to do a mock exam..she didn't help; she just sat by my side as I did it. It went well.She then said 'Keep that smile on your face Angie, you have passed! I couldn't believe it! I had done the actual exam!
Anyway I digress back to the point of this post.
Your sister said to me 'Mum after 3 years doing all that hard work you should go to the ceremony'.
I picked up my carefully folded gown and carefully measured cap. A lovely, young lady dressed me in my gown, yellow and blue sash upon my shoulders over my gown, a tasseled black cap was placed upon my head, and secured with bronze grips.
I walk to the professional photographer. A mock scroll tied with red ribbon is placed into my hands. Three different poses later and I am free to find my loves. My husband and daughter have supported me throughout encouraged me and held my hand throughout the turbulent three years.
My husband and my daughter greet me outside the Bull Hotel I see the delight on both their faces as I walk outside. You really can't buy these moments - they are our reason for everything.
A few photos are taken with me. Then off they both dash to find their seats at the Cathedral.
Back in the Bull Hotel I catch up with the student. Officer. We sit together on a well loved, brown, leather sofa. It listens as we reminisce about our three year journey.
Another conversation etched within it's soul.
All cohorts are lined up in their individual sections. A lady wearing smart black trousers and a crisply ironed white blouse checked our numbers. All present and correct.
We walked out into the sunshine, Strangers were clapping us as we walked towards the Cathedral. I couldn't stop smiling. Children stopped to wave. Happy chattering echoed through the streets of Peterborough.
The mayor, lecturers, tutors and VIp's wait for us as we walk toward the Cathedral doors. They are clapping; shining, smiling faces applaud us.
I'm glad I changed my mind to go. I had a dress I bought around 4 years ago. It was a dress similar to one our Princess Kate had worn. I found one in Wallis.
At the time of buying it, never, in my wildest dreams did I think its maiden journey would be to my own graduation!
University Centre Peterborough. A random advert led me to email a man named Dr Andrew Mcdonald. (Ask me privately about this)! It was to do with a bursary that tMalcolm Bradbury Trust set up for those less fortunate. This sparked my interest. I had been signed off work due to a chest infection and knew I couldn't return. Time passes. I received an email inviting me down to UCP for a chat.
I sourced my CSE'S and paid around 76 quid from Pearson's (Deacons comprehensive school) Fortunately I had some money in a small savings account in my building society.
The book I wrote about was 'The loneliness of the long distance runner' by Alan Stilitoe.
I asked a professional friend to write a personal statement for me. I didn't apply for the bursary.
It's all very surreal when I type this out. Yes, me, Angela Marie Ramm, formerly Rogers, made the impossible possible! Miracles do come true; you just have to live through them first before you even realise this. 🩵💛🖤
Love Mum BA (honours ) 🧑🎓######xx
