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Profile: Michelle Hynes

Subject: LLB Law
Institution: University of Glasgow

My little boy Owen died aged eight in 2002 in very traumatic circumstances.  Following his death I developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder for which I receive medication and therapy. I suffer from flashbacks and nightmares and anxiety, which has been debilitating.

In 2002 I decided to return to education in order to restart my life. I had previously been a successful Marketing manager but my son’s death left me in a very dark place. At that point my mind was very confused and I was in the depths of despair and it was very difficult for me to concentrate. I could not even read a magazine let alone a book.

I enrolled on the Access course at the University of Glasgow for a course in Philosophy and Religion and Theology. The course was held over twenty weeks on two evenings a week, which let me take things at a slower pace.  Gradually, I began to be able to concentrate for longer periods of time, enough to read perhaps a few pages. Night time was the worst for me as I could not sleep for longer than an hour, so I used my reading as a method of distracting myself from the nightmares. Socrates, Plato and Rousseau became my friends in the dark hours.

I volunteered to be class Rep and took part in discussions with other students.  Despite feeling unwell at times I forced myself to go the classes. At the end of the course I was awarded the Elizabeth Aitkin award for achievement in Access, an award I felt very honoured to receive. This award was to mark my commitment to the project of life long learning.

I was accepted by the School of Law to study for my LLB Bachelor of Laws at University of Glasgow. The application process was difficult and I had to undertake an interview, which made me very nervous, as I knew there would be a high calibre of students applying for similar positions straight from school. Here I was, a 37-year-old single mum with two small children and post-traumatic stress disorder. Why would I get in? Despite this, my enthusiasm and hope paid off and I was granted a place to begin in September 2005

My medical condition means that my concentration sometimes lapses and I get very stressed at small things. The flashbacks can interrupt lectures and my lack of sleep means that I frequently walk about campus very much like a zombie at times. I need to take time off to visit my psychologist and I have been having a course of therapy called exposure therapy, which is very emotionally severe and can affect my mood. The medication sometimes means that I feel a bit “out of it” or anxious.

I registered with Student Disability Services at the university when I started and they have been very helpful. They helped me to apply for funding for a laptop and software in case I needed to study at home instead of on campus.

I fund my studies by Student Loan and as I am a single parent I receive additional support. I also receive two bursaries, which adds to the financial assistance that I could not do without.

Studying Law is very demanding and the amount of work is enormous, but I enjoy the challenge. Last year the University nominated me for a national award and I was very proud to receive the Scottish Adult Learner 2006 award at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh in May 2006. I joined the Mooting society at the Law school and last year, together with a fellow student, we were semi-finalists in the Dean’s Cup Mooting competition. I was invited by the Access course to return to speak of my experiences to new students and I have now done this twice and found it to be very rewarding.

In September 2006 I began my second year of studying Law, and what a year it has been! I took on the role of President at the Mature Students Association, which is a club for mature students at the University. I became an Ambassador for the University and I starred in a DVD produced by the University for the launch of its Disability focus.

My mooting partner and I took part again this year in the Dean’s Cup competition but instead of being semi- finalist we won it and were awarded the Semple Mooting prize by the Faculty of Procurators. We have now been invited to represent Glasgow University against Strathclyde University in the Annual Sheriff Moot.

My experience of University so far is one of many challenges. Studying Law pushes me to my limits, both mentally and emotionally, but I have met a fabulous group of people, both students and staff who have been more than helpful in encouraging me to “be all I can be.” I would encourage anyone reading this who might have a dream of one day becoming (whatever they dream to be) to take that first step, pick up that form or make that phone call. For all of us life is all about learning, and where better to do it than in an environment where everyone has the same goal? If I can do this, so can you.

[Posted October 2007]