Yasmin Sidawi has completed a two-year master's degree in mental health nursing, while her daughter, Juana Zeidan, is graduating with a degree in midwifery.
Their achievement is particularly meaningful given the challenges both have overcome, supporting each other as they pursued their ambitions and built careers in healthcare.
Originally from Palestine, Yasmin moved to the UK 26 years ago and started a family. When her husband died, leaving her to raise their children, she put her own aspirations of a career in healthcare on hold to focus on her family.
But watching Juana pursue her ambition to become a midwife inspired Yasmin to return to education herself.
In 2024, a year after Juana began her undergraduate midwifery degree at Sheffield Hallam, Yasmin applied to study mental health nursing at the same university.
Despite experiencing challenges along the way, Juana and Yasmin successfully completed their courses, with the pair now celebrating their achievements side by side.
Juana, who is also mum to a five-year-old daughter, has already taken the next step in her career, securing a role as a midwife at Sheffield's Jessop Wing, where she started work two weeks ago.
Yasmin said: "Today we celebrate such a special moment – your graduation from Sheffield Hallam University and becoming a midwife, something you have wanted to do from a young age. I am so incredibly proud of you and everything you have achieved.
"What makes this day even more meaningful is that we are graduating together. Our journey hasn't been easy, and we have faced many challenges, but we stayed strong, supported each other and never gave up. That makes today even more powerful.
"You inspire me every day, Juana, and I couldn't be prouder to stand beside you. You will make such a kind and compassionate midwife, and this is just the beginning of your amazing journey."
Dr Jo Lidster, Head of the School of Health and Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "Yasmin and Juana's story is a wonderful example of the determination, resilience and compassion that we see in our students every day. To see a mother and daughter supporting one another through their studies and celebrating their achievements together is truly special.
"At Sheffield Hallam, we are proud to support students at every stage of their lives and help them realise their ambitions. Both Yasmin and Juana have shown an incredible commitment to their education and to making a difference in the lives of others. We wish them every success as they begin the next chapters of their careers."
Yasmin and Juana are among almost 9,500 students graduating from Sheffield Hallam University during 29 ceremonies taking place at Ponds Forge over a two-week period.
Almost 1,700 of this year's graduates have studied health and social care courses, including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and paramedic practice.
Graduation ceremonies continue until Friday 20 November.
