What do you do when you've brought up a family and are looking for some way to achieve your full potential?

For 43-year-old Mary Smith, the answer is simple: "My advice to anyone looking for self fulfilment is to come and talk to the tutors at Newport's University. I came on a visit day and went on to do a degree course which has equipped me with extremely transferable skills for the jobs market."

Mary, who comes from Allt-yr-yn, decided to return to education after spending nine years at home bringing up her two children, Rebecca, 16, and Catherine, 14.

"Prior to completing my three year degree course, I was a working part-time in customer care with Lloyds TSB. I knew I was capable of more and have wanted to do a degree since I was in my 20s.

"I left school with good A Levels but my parents, who were farmers, didn't think that people like us went to university."

Mary summoned up the nerve to go on a University visit day where she met lecturer Dave Orford who introduced her to a mature student on the course who also had children.

"Chatting to her convinced me I could do it," said Mary. "It took a lot of courage for me to go the visit day. I honestly didn't think I was good enough - but every effort was made to make me feel welcome here."

Mary had to be very self-motivated and thoroughly enjoyed the independent learning experience. "It was nothing like being at school. You're given a direction by the tutors but you're in charge of your own success. The support is always there when you need it. I had a strong desire to succeed and was very determined."

After three years of part-time study, Mary gained a highly coveted first in Business and Legal Studies last summer.