Graduation 2026: Family pride as mother and daughter graduate side by side
By: Communications
A mother and daughter celebrated their graduation from UEA’s School of Social Work this week – capping off a journey that saw them support one another personally and professionally.
Kerry Barr and her daughter Jodie Cloud both received their Master's degrees in Advanced Social Work, with their shared graduation day marking the culmination of years of hard work, mutual encouragement and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Jodie was inspired to pursue social work by the role models around her, including her mum, while Kerry’s path took a different route. After leaving school with no GCSEs, she returned to education at 38 and ultimately realised her long-held ambition of becoming a social worker.
Now, as they celebrate side by side, both reflect on the support they have given one another throughout their studies and the pride they feel in achieving this special moment together.
What inspired you to pursue Social Work, and how did your journey begin?
Jodie: In high school, I had a lot of admiration for the student support team and knew that I wanted to either be a teacher or social worker. I think that we all have people who we look up to throughout our childhoods, mine was my mum outside of school and my Student Support Officer in school, and this is what helped me to choose my career path.
My mum wanted to be a social worker for many years so this was a job role that I was aware of and felt would be a good fit, and I am pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoy my job and supporting the families who I work with.
Kerry: I left school without any GCSEs and experienced a difficult adolescence. Looking back, that experience is one of the main reasons I wanted to become a social worker.
At the age of 38, in 2016, I made the decision to return to education. I sat my English GCSE while also completing a Key Skills course in Maths and English and was thrilled to pass.
I then completed an Access to Higher Education course and was fortunate to have incredibly supportive managers. They allowed me to flex my working hours so that I could continue earning a living, pay my mortgage, and attend college. Without that support, my educational journey may have ended there.
I applied to the University of Suffolk next; the degree was full-time, which meant making a difficult choice – either give up on my dream or find another way to support my family while studying. I chose to continue, securing evening and weekend work with NHS 111 and living on a combination of my student loan, savings, and part-time income.
Those three years were some of the toughest of my life. I balanced placements, assignments, exams, evening and weekend work, and raising my teenage children. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could continue. But I adopted a simple mindset: if they keep letting me into the classroom, I’ll keep showing up. So I did – and eventually, I graduated.
In what ways did you both support each other during your studies?
Jodie: This varied a lot, from the simple things, such as the best place to get some lunch, to the more complex things – bouncing off ideas, reflecting on assignment feedback and keeping each other motivated to complete the degree (on time) alongside the busyness of being full-time social workers.
Kerry: Jodie – and my son Matthew – were my biggest motivation throughout my studies. Everything I was doing was about creating better opportunities for us, reducing financial worries, and showing my children that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.
Their belief in me kept me going during the difficult times. Jodie also helped by reviewing some of my assignments. During my first year at university, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, so having that extra support and encouragement was invaluable.
What does sharing your graduation day with each other mean to you both?
Jodie: Graduation is not just a celebration of my achievement – it is also a recognition of the support, sacrifices, and encouragement that helped me get there. Sharing the day with my mum to celebrate her achievement too, and the support from each other and our wider families and friends, is invaluable.”
Kerry: Sharing my graduation day with Jodie means everything to me. To celebrate such a significant achievement together is something I will cherish forever.
I am incredibly proud of her. She is only at the beginning of her social work career, and I know she is going to flourish and make a real difference to the people she works with. Watching her grow into the professional she is becoming is a privilege.
I'm equally proud of both my children. My son, Matthew, completed his Fine Art degree last year and is now preparing to combine his passions for art and tea by opening an art gallery and tea shop in Woodbridge. Seeing both of my children succeed and follow their dreams is one of my greatest achievements as a parent.
What’s next for you after graduation? Where is your future heading?
Jodie: There may be more exciting opportunities coming up. I think a break from studying is very welcome at the moment – but never say never to the possibility of a PhD in the future!
Kerry: For now, I am very happy in my role within the Children with Disabilities Team at Suffolk County Council. I love working with children and families and, although resources can sometimes be stretched, we remain committed to providing the best support we can.
After dedicating so much of the last decade to education and professional development, I am now focusing on my health and wellbeing. I'm currently on a fitness journey and spend much of my spare time either running or at one of the two gyms I belong to.
Looking ahead, I may consider pursuing a PhD one day. But for now, I'm enjoying applying what I've learned, continuing to grow professionally, and investing in my health after ten years of balancing work, family life, and study.
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