Mum Proves It's Never Too Late To Follow Your Dreams And Moves Into University Halls

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's to grab opportunities with both hands, follow your dreams and have a great time along the way.

One person who is living proof of each of those things is Marisa O'Hara, who has decided to go back to university. Sounds pretty normal, right? Until you find out that the 52-year-old wants the 'whole experience' - so she's moved into halls of residence.

The mum-of-five, from Tywyn in Wales, has just moved to Aberystwyth University to study a PGCE in Secondary History.

Despite being a lot older than most students starting university, Marisa says that the people she's living with have 'embraced' having her in halls - she won't be helping anyone with laundry though.

Speaking to LADbible, Marisa says: "I decided to apply last year but to be honest didn't hold out much hope. I was interviewed post-Covid over Skype and was accepted the next day.

"I didn't really think about going to halls because the university is only an hour's train journey from home.

"But during the interview I was told that it would make sense for socials - but obviously Covid has stopped that aspect.

"I decided in August that I would move in to halls and enjoy the whole experience.

"Mainly people reacted positively with the attitude go for it girl. My kids are very proud of me as are my mum and siblings."

Aberystwyth University

Talking about what her flatmates think of her, she adds: "The others think I make a great cup of tea and they are extremely supportive of me and each other.

"I know that sounds cliché but it's just the way it's worked out. The uni has housed all the PGCE students together, which helps.

"I'm absolutely not going to help with laundry but will give them advice if needed. This is all about the qualification and this is a post-graduation course so it's more mature students.

"I did my undergraduate in History at Worcester University in 2001-05 and my children were all at school or nursery.

"This time it's all about getting the qualification and enjoying every aspect of the experience.

"Last night we had numerous cups of tea, fish and chips, quality street, biscuits and Pringles.

"We partied hard the Covid way."

Ending with some inspiration to others, Marisa says: "It's never too late, just follow your dream. The younger students have embraced having me in halls."

Nice work, Marisa.

Topics: Daily Ladness, Community

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94