A mum-of-four who became a widow eight months ago aged just 27, will graduate with a Master’s degree from Queen’s University today.
Sandra Isirima will celebrate the moment with her sons Mike, six, Micah, four, and two-year-old twins Mitchy and Myron, at their home in Belfast in a virtual ceremony.
Sandra has gained a Master’s degree in Leadership for Sustainable Development from the School of Biological Sciences.
She said: “I became a widow at the age of 27 with four young boys under the age of six. I felt like giving up everything. Then I remembered Michael’s wishes and after taking a good look at my boys, knowing I’m their only surviving parent, all I wanted was to give them a better future.”
Sandra was studying at Queen’s and her husband, Michael was in the final year of his PhD Ulster University, when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Tragically he was given just a few months to live and passed away on November 22, 2019. He was aged just 34.
Even in the depth of his health crisis he did all he could to encourage Sandra.
She said: “Michael was so encouraging and supportive of me that he asked me to never give up on my dreams of getting my Master’s.
“He supported me in the little ways he could and always encouraged me not to drop out of school because of his illness.
“I found courage, hope and strength, and I finally decided to go back to school to complete my Master’s degree.”
“Michael was so hardworking and industrious. He was diagnosed with cancer in his final year of his PhD, but he never gave up on his dreams.
“He was so brave, he worked on his PhD even on his sick bed.
“Myself and the kids picked up his degree on his behalf as he it was awarded posthumously to him by Ulster University. His research was on fire safety engineering and Michael also volunteered with Fire NI during his PhD.”
Sandra, originally from Nigeria, turned to friends for support during her toughest times and found encouragement and help amongst her strength and support from her tutors from the School of Biological Sciences.
She explained she found family in her university who helped her meet deadlines and literally keep going when she felt ready to give up from her class mates, the course co-ordinator and tutors.
Sandra said: “The thought of knowing I belonged to a community as supportive as Queen’s kept me going and gave me hope for the future.
“My course supervisor Dr Jude Stephens was so amazing and some of my course mates were present at my late husband’s memorial service to support me and my family in my darkest time. I am glad I have a family at Queen’s who care about my welfare.
“Queen’s was so supportive of me during Michael’s illness, if I couldn’t meet a deadline because of what I was going through, they would give me a new one.”
And after all her hard work and determination, Sandra is ready to start a new job with Concentrix.
Looking to the future, she said: “I am so excited to start my new job. After my graduation, I will focus on building my career, being a great mum and trying my best to give my kids the best in life. I plan to grow in my career and excel greatly. We hope for a better and brighter future.”
She will stream her graduation ceremony on Tuesday so friends and family can join her as she celebrates with her sons with a takeaway.
