Jodi Driven to Succeed

Jodi said, "20 years ago I started a degree at Bishop Burton College and completed two years of the course. The desire to pursue a career meant I didn’t do the final year and went to work in the equine industry."

Jodi commented further, "My parents have always been very supportive and encouraged me in whatever direction I have taken. Years later, when an opportunistic conversation with someone at the college resulted in a late application to chase my dream with horses, my parents were right behind me. This led to a swift acceptance on to the final year of the BSc Equine Sports Science and Coaching degree, joining a cohort of much younger students in September 2023. It was time to fulfil my dreams"! Jodi committed herself with the support of her family to fulfilling her dream, balancing a demanding academic schedule with the responsibilities of caring for two horses, two dogs, and husband while also working full-time at Dream Doors designing kitchens, was no easy feat.

Jodi soon realised that a significant aspect of her academic journey was the completion of her research dissertation. Jodi commented, "This was a seriously demanding intellectual challenge for someone who has been out of academia for so long and required countless hours of research, analysis, and writing. Despite the immense workload, I was committed and determined to succeed."

Through hard work and determination, Jodi was immensely proud to be able to attend her graduation on Friday 1st November at the beautiful Beverley Minster. Jodi said, "This was the pinnacle of my equine career so far. A testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of my dreams. None would have been possible without the particular support of my husband Jack, best friend Claire, and my parents in law Terri and Andy Wilkinson - (owners of Dream Doors in Beverley), who attended the ceremony with me".

Jodi went on to say, "I hope my story inspires people young and older, like me, all to strive for excellence, no matter the challenges we may face, and to take the chance, you never know where it may take you"!

Jodi Wilkinson, BSc (Hons)