Promise to late mum inspired Birmingham graduate’s learning journey

After three decades of dedicated service in various social care settings, Tina Pena-Smith, a director, and chair of Highgate Community Support LTD, a Birmingham-based charity, has embarked on an inspiring journey of higher education, realising a long-held aspiration to attain a degree. 

With a career spanning nursery, children’s homes, leaving care, and child protection teams, Tinamarie deferred this dream due to timing constraints and professional commitments. However, a pivotal moment in 2018, marked by the loss of her mother, sparked a profound change.

“One of my mother’s last requests was that I stop putting off attending university and follow my dreams,” said Tina. Motivated by this heartfelt encouragement, she began exploring educational opportunities and, in 2019, enrolled at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Birmingham campus. 

“The flexible, part-time programme offered by UWTSD made it possible for me to balance my studies with the responsibilities of single parenthood and professional life,” she said.

“I was based at UWTSD’s Sparkhill Campus, starting my studies with a course on Health and Safety in the Workplace. This marked the beginning of my journey aimed at expanding career opportunities, particularly within the realm of children’s mental health—a field that has always been my passion.”

Reflecting on the experience, Tina said: “The highlights of this course have been the confidence it has instilled in me, the ability to stand up for what I believe in, and the courage to walk away from unfulfilling situations. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from fantastic lecturers who have generously shared their wealth of knowledge.

“But I have also faced challenges. I lost my mum, so it was a very emotional journey for me.

My son was very ill and diagnosed with a long-term illness and required hospital admissions. However despite these challenges and feeling like I wanted to give up, I remembered my promise to my mum. I am my son’s greatest teacher, and it was also not an option for him to see me give up, but instead to see me keep going, meet obstacles and find new routes to achieving the desired results.

With a deep personal interest in diabetes, Tina has also engaged in research, eagerly sharing findings with peers and lecturers alike. This academic endeavor culminated in her being invited to deliver a lecture on “Living in Care,” receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and lecturers. She said this experience has inspired her to consider a future career in lecturing, driven by a newfound passion for teaching and knowledge sharing.

“I have completely enjoyed my journey here at UWTSD. The personal growth and confidence I have gained are invaluable. I am grateful for the support and friendships I’ve formed along the way. The course definitely supports my role at the charity I work for, which has helped form the basis of my MSc Dissertation.”

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head of Corporate Communications and PR  
Corporate Communications and PR  
Email:  e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk  
Phone: 07968 249335