Guest Writer As graduation season unfolds we reconnect with Debbie and Charlotte, a mother-daughter duo who recreated their graduation photo under the same campus tree, over 20 years apart! They discuss what brought them both to York, their favourite memories, and how their York experiences have changed.
Why did you decide to come to York?
Debbie (Mum): I came to York as the University was one of the best places to study nursing at the time, offering psychological therapy as a mental health module. Beyond academic prowess, the city itself felt like a really beautiful and safe place to study. I believe that being in that environment helped to support my studies and enabled my career to ultimately flourish.
Charlotte (Daughter): The University of York has an academic reputation that speaks for itself and so that had a big part to play. More broadly, York was somewhere I had never been before, presenting an adventure to explore somewhere new whilst not straying too far from home. The beauty of East campus and close proximity to a gym with great facilities were also very convincing. As was the vibrant, yet safe, and historical atmosphere presented by the city itself. An all-round amazing place to study!
How do you think your university experience differs from each other?
Debbie: I had so much fun and freedom in York. Unfortunately, although there was still fun to be had, my daughter’s experience was altered by the pandemic in that regard.
Charlotte: Sadly, much of my university experience was limited by strikes and Covid restrictions. Unlike for my Mum, this meant that much of the socialisation that comes from attending seminars in person and the fun of going out with friends was lost. That said, the extended isolation taught me so much about resilience and independence, for which I am ultimately grateful.
What are your favourite memories of York?
Debbie: I loved where I lived in York! It was close enough to walk both to campus and into the city to enjoy the bars and restaurants by the water. Christmas time in York was also very special, and I have found that special character to remain in recent visits.
Charlotte: Some of my fondest memories of York actually emerge from the ‘little moments’, like walking around the beautiful campus on crisp, sunny mornings and enjoying waterside bars on warm evenings with friends. Freshers week was also so much fun! There was an immediate sense of excitement and ‘all being in it together’. Everyone was super friendly and the arrangement whereby older students come along to guide the week was really useful for acquiring general advice and navigating the area.
“Some of my fondest memories of York actually emerge from the ‘little moments’, like walking around the beautiful campus on crisp, sunny mornings and enjoying waterside bars on warm evenings with friends.”
What was it like attending Charlotte’s graduation?
Debbie: I was so proud to see Charlotte achieve a first with distinction at York. We couldn’t believe that the same tree I was pictured in front of at my graduation was still there for Charlotte to do the same. It certainly made for a great picture and a really fond memory.
“I was so proud to see Charlotte achieve a first with distinction at York. We couldn’t believe that the same tree I was pictured in front of at my graduation was still there for Charlotte to do the same.”
