Awards 2010: Serena Shows Courage
23 January 2010
Serena Cope graduated on Friday.
When I was ill often the only comfortable position for me was lying down, so I would write my essays like that.
”Serena Cope
An English student who often could only write essays while lying down because of the pain from her arthritis, stood tall with pride when she collected her degree certificate.
Serena Cope, 22, from Ilkeston, graduated with a 2:1 for her BA (Hons) English degree course at the University of Derby's Awards Ceremonies, at the Derby Assembly Rooms on Friday.
Only a few months into her three-year degree course, in January 2007, she unexpectedly developed psoriatic arthritis.
The inflammatory joint disease typically causes stiffness and pain in the joints of the hands and feet, but can also affect larger joints in the knees, elbows, hips and the spine. It can strike suddenly and without warning.
Serena, a keen dancer up to that point, found her mobility severely restricted by the condition. Throughout her course there have been ''bad days'' when she has been unable to walk without crutches or even get out of the house to come to university.
She said: "It started for me when I woke up one morning and couldn't move my legs because they were so sore. I was given a blood test which showed that my joints were incredibly inflamed. Eventually I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
"I was very into dance before this happened and did ballet but that all had to stop," she added. With the help of tutors at Derby and her own determination, Serena was able to continue with her degree course.
"I used to work from home a lot because I couldn't physically get into university. When I was ill often the only comfortable position for me was lying down, so I would write my essays like that. My tutors, especially Mary McNally and Dr Christine Berberich, were very supportive," added Serena.
She is now studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). When she finishes this course in June, Serena wants to go on to teach English at secondary school level.
Mary McNally, Senior Lecturer and Admissions Tutor for English at the University of Derby, said: "Studying for a degree takes great commitment, even more so when you have the additional problems caused by a debilitating illness such as Serena's.
"I'm very proud of the way she has stuck with her studies and she richly deserves her degree success."
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For more details contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
