Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Kassie overcomes adversity to launch next stage of career after graduating
As Kassie Flear graduates in-person from Leeds Beckett, she will have extra reason to feel proud after successfully navigating challenging personal circumstances while studying at university.
Kassie, who completed a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management in 2021, balanced managing two newly diagnosed medical conditions, caring for her disabled father, and working full-time in her two years on the course.
Ahead of the ceremony, Kassie has paid tribute to the academics and support staff who have helped her throughout her time at the university.
“It was hard, but the lecturers at the university were great. The support I got from staff at Leeds Beckett I couldn’t fault. I didn’t know they had in-house disability teams that helped with planning out with workloads and how to deal with exam pressure and the offers of workshops with regards to how to cope with university.” She says.
“I’d 100% recommend the university to anyone who has disabilities or medical conditions.”
At 29, Kassie came to Leeds Beckett through her full-time employer without any recent background in education and having recently been diagnosed with two lifelong medical conditions.
This combined with caring responsibilities and having to work while studying left her feeling somewhat daunted ahead of the start of the course, however she was quickly made to feel comfortable at the university.
She adds: “At first, it was pretty scary. I’d been out of education for a long time and didn’t know what to expect with regards to the degree and being a student at university, as well as working full-time and doing two-years at the university, as well as a recent diagnosis of two lifelong medical conditions that were going to start making things a bit difficult, so there was a lot going on all at once.
“It stressed me out a bit, I didn’t think I’d have a clue how to manage it. But Christine Daley, my Course Leader, was great. She talked me through the process and about the disability team, and how they could put together an adjustment plan to help me. For example, I got extensions on coursework and assignments.
“It made the whole experience less daunting and more exciting. I felt like I could do it. It was hard work, but then Christine was great support. She put me in contact with the right people and was in regular contact with me.”
At the end of it, when I got my certificate, it was like ‘wow, I’ve got a degree!’
Boosted by the extra support, Kassie settled into life at Leeds Beckett, and after having to deal with the challenges posed by her medical conditions – and Covid-19 – felt a strong sense of achievement after finishing her course.
“I’ve got a qualification that I’ve worked hard for. My husband was a massive support, especially on the days where I’d be in lectures at seven in the evening, having started work at eight in the morning.” She continues.
“At the end of it, when I got my certificate, it was like ‘wow, I’ve got a degree!’”
Now in a new job and armed with a degree and new professional qualification, Kassie has set herself a bold goal ahead of her next milestone birthday.
“One of my plans is that by the time I’m 40 is to be either a HR Director or on my way to it. Thanks to this course, I’ve got my level seven CIPD which is a great platform, and now it’s about building myself up with companies that have good development and progression opportunities.
“I’ve got eight years to get myself there!”
