Karen, a 25-year-old from Neath, has achieved her dream of earning a degree in Egyptology and ancient history. Her journey began at the age of nine when she started supporting her siblings as her parents faced mental health challenges.
“By 15, I realised I was in charge of my household—and I’ve really been in that role ever since,” Karen said. Her responsibilities expanded to include caring for her grandparents and assisting two younger siblings diagnosed with autism.
Karen faced academic challenges due to undiagnosed dyslexia, which was not officially recognized until 2016. “I cried,” she recalled. “It was the first time I felt truly seen.” Despite these hurdles, including glandular fever during her GCSEs, Karen persevered.
The 2020 lockdown allowed Karen to reassess her career path after trying hairdressing and psychology. Inspired by films like The Enigma Game and Darkest Hour, she returned to history and enrolled at Swansea University, where she had previously volunteered at its Egypt Centre.
At university, Karen became a subject and school representative, advocating for accessibility and inclusion while creating support networks for student carers. “Everything I do is shaped by my experience with dyslexia and as a carer,” she explained.
Karen plans to pursue a master’s in public history and heritage while continuing advocacy work as a Part-Time Officer in the Students’ Union. She expressed gratitude for the support received at the university: “I’m a completely different person from who I was in my first week.”
Her personal growth has positively impacted her family dynamics. “Mum and I are now more of a team," Karen noted. "I’m so proud of her for stepping up while I’m at university; something I make sure to tell her every day.”