Maxwell and Sharon Swaney.
Camera IconMaxwell and Sharon Swaney. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mother and son graduate from Curtin University side-by-side

Jessica NicoCanning Gazette

MANY university students invite their parents as guests to their graduation ceremony, but things were a little different for one local graduate.

Maxwell Swaney and his mother Sharon both took to the stage at the Curtin University ceremony, having attended side-by-side to complete their studies in psychology and health promotion respectively.

Mr Swaney admitted it took him a little while to get used to the idea of his mother joining him at university.

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“When Mum first told me I was like ‘hey uni is my stomping ground’, but the truth is it turned out to be a great experience, especially as we both did honours,” he said.

“We went through a lot of the same processes despite studying different things.

“It’s definitely brought us closer.”

Ms Swaney said she had always wanted to study at university but hadn’t had a chance to when she was younger.

After hearing about her son’s experiences in his first year, she decided to go for it.

“I thought I can do it too, it’s not just for young people,” she said.

“It was very challenging but I really enjoyed it and I got on well with all the young people.”

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