22-year-old Maria Costa de Sousa, from East Harling, took a leap into the unknown when she signed up for a Sociology and Criminology degree at the University and Professional Development Centre in 2022. After graduating in 2025, Maria looks back at how her journey shaped her future without her even realising – and how it inspired her mum to return to education after 34 years.
“I took sociology on a whim, and it actually kind of set out my life trajectory without me really realising it,” she says. “I absolutely loved it, and I would definitely do it again if I had the chance.”
The supportive college community, alongside intimate classroom settings, helped Maria flourish. She says, “In a bigger university, it would have maybe been harder for my lecturers to give me as much support as they did, but because we only had six people in our classroom, it was great.
“The lecturers were just so supportive, and so kind. They were answering me at any point of the day. They alone made me want to go when I didn’t even want to wake up in the morning.”
Since completing her studies, Maria developed an interest in roles within probation or prison service and is currently waiting for her vetting to be approved for a prison officer role. She says, “I’m hoping to work maybe in the civil service or human rights area, hoping to make a bit of a difference.”
But Maria’s education journey doesn’t stop there – Maria’s mother, after seeing her daughter receive her degree, was inspired to take the leap back into education.
Maria says, “My mum had started university in Portugal many years ago, but she never finished because she got a better job opportunity in the UK. I think watching me graduate last year made her think about going back into studying. She has a lot of knowledge, but not the paperwork to prove it.”
Her mother, Maria Costa, said: “I always dreamed of having a graduation. At my daughter’s ceremony, I saw people my age stepping forward to celebrate their achievements and it made me realise I have not missed my chance. I just need to start chasing my dreams again.”
Maria Costa has set her sights on a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, after completing her Functional Skills through Norfolk Adult Education.
