Alumni Stories – Patricia Quinn, Lifelong Learner
A mature way to learn
Patricia Quinn came to higher education as a mature learner with two children, a full-time job and plenty of responsibilities.
Determined to learn, she chose to complete her first degree at a local university to be close to family and work. Patricia graduated with a 2:1 degree at the age of 40. She was proud to have her family’s support at her graduation.
York to the Middle East
When Patricia decided to take on further study, she did it in a totally different way. She completed her MA in Leading Innovation and Change at York St John University almost completely online while abroad in the Middle East.
“This meant dealing with the challenges of varying broadband connections in a foreign country, interacting with colleagues in online forums and watching lectures on video.”
She remembers her graduation in York Minster as a “fantastic” and “memorable” occasion.
An Education in Technology
Patricia has had a “varied and long” career in education and e-learning. However, her passion for technology and education has connected it all.
“All of my career has included working with students and learners who are disadvantaged by technology or who use technology to further their studies and teaching practices.”
Patricia is now a project manager at Virtual College.
We had a few quick questions for Patricia:
What’s your ambition at the moment?
“To do my job to the best of my ability and support my colleagues.”
What would you study if you went back now?
“Probably something unrelated to my career due to my mature stage of life.”
What’s your best piece of advice?
“Don’t turn down any opportunities that come your way. Continue learning – be a lifelong learner.”
