Owen, who is originally from Derry-Londonderry, had just finished his placement year in Scotland in September 2021 when his mum received a devastating cancer diagnosis. 

Suddenly he found himself balancing his studies with supporting his mum as she went through gruelling cancer treatment. She was given the all-clear in the Summer of 2022 but just a few months later doctors discovered it had spread further and she sadly passed away in February this year. 

Despite all of this, Owen continued his studies and completed his final exams just months after losing his mum. He is now graduating with a 2:1 in MEng Computer Science and is getting ready to start a new chapter.  

Owen will soon move to Scotland with his girlfriend - who he met during his studies and is also graduating today with a Master’s in Computer Science - after they both secured graduate jobs. 

Commenting on his journey, Owen says: “Losing my mum was - and is - the toughest thing I have ever experienced, and I wasn't sure what to do in terms of university as following my mum's death I just could not focus.  

“I had several options including deferring graduation or even dropping out for the year, but despite how tough it would be, I knew I wanted to press on and do my mum proud by still graduating in the summer.” 

When his mum was ill, Owen contacted the team at Queen’s for support. He says: “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for all the people at Queen’s who have supported me. The guidance and support of my school’s staff and lecturers during my mum’s illness was invaluable at such a tough time in my life, and they helped me believe in myself in achieving my goals. It is so important to look after yourself and seeking help and support when you need it.” 

Owen is now looking to the future: “My partner and I are both graduating from Computer Science at the same time, and we have both secured graduate jobs in Edinburgh. Very shortly we have the task of moving over to Scotland! It’s a great city and we spent our placement year there, so I am very excited to return. 

“While it is tough not having my mum at my graduation, I am so thankful for my family, my dad and my partner who are here to celebrate the day - I know that my mum will be watching in spirit!” 

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