Life changing decision pays off for Waterford woman
Jean Barry, a native of The Folly, celebrates her graduation from University of Limerick. Photo: Alan Place
Waterford local Jean Barry, was conferred with a degree in English and Linguistics with TESOL from University of Limerick last week, and was awarded the Silver Medal from UL’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for achieving the highest grades within the Faculty.
In her early 50s, Jean, found herself stuck in a career rut and suffering from low self-esteem, but the pursuit of education and a curiosity for learning has restored her confidence.
The Waterford native, who hails from The Folly but now resides in Ballina in Tipperary, with her husband and 17-year-old daughter, spent over 30 years working in administration, but, at the age of 52, Jean decided to make a drastic change in her life and fulfil her dream of studying English Literature.
At her UL graduation ceremony last week, Jean’s husband John and daughter Maia looked on with immense pride as they saw her conferred with her undergraduate degree. Jean’s 89-year-old mother also tuned in online from her home in Co Waterford.
