Posted: Thursday 18 November 2010

Kilmarnock College Student Celebrates Extra Special Success

One hundred and sixty two proud Kilmarnock College students graduated from their chosen courses last week, but one student was celebrating for an extra special reason.

(Juli pictured centre with some of her fellow graduates, lecturer Anne Granger and Curriculum Manager Tes Eshetu.)

Juli Edmiston (39) graduated from Kilmarnock College with an HND in Accounting despite health problems since birth.

Juli was born with Rhesus Disease and was not expected to live more than a few hours, however proved to be a real fighter. Growing up Juli tried not to let her disabilities get in the way. She very quickly learned to lip-read - long before her deafness was identified - and learned sign language in her teens. At school she excelled in maths and art but struggled with anything associated with language.

Unfortunately, because of her difficulties with language, Juli left school without any qualifications. Juli and her husband, Graeme and have been together for over 22 years. They have five children, ages ranging from 7 to 21years old.

When her youngest child Shari-Ann went to nursery, Juli decided to go to college and get some qualifications. With assistance from the staff at Kilmarnock College and a sign language interpreter and note-taker she was able to enrol for the HND in Accounting. However, in her first year at the College she contracted glandular fever but Juli's determination ensured that she would complete the year. During her second year, at only 37 years old, Juli had a mild stroke, but this was only a temporary set back and Juli was back studying as soon as she was able.

Juli said: "Receiving my HND was one of my proudest moments. It has been a tough journey, but I am delighted to have come this far. I don't think that this will be the end of my studying, I'm just going to take a year out to reflect on my achievements so far and I'm really looking forward to becoming a grandmother.

"I can't thank the staff at Kilmarnock College enough for all that they have done to help me. They have been so supportive throughout my studies and really helped me to achieve my goal."

Tes Eshetu, Curriculum Manager for Business, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism said of Juli:

'Juli is a shining example of a successful learner who has been undeterred by her disability to aim and achieve high. She has overcome all the hurdles in order to achieve what she aimed for. Myself, her tutors and other college staff who have supported Juli throughout her studies at Kilmarnock College are delighted with her achievements.'

-Ends-
Further information contact:
Joanne Spence, Beattie Communications, 01698 787856/ joanne.spence@beattiegroup.com

Joanna Wilson, Beattie Communications, 01698 787847/ joanna.wilson@beattiegroup.com

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