A Co Tyrone woman is celebrating success at university after having battled a chronic illness during her degree.
Danielle Blee, from Glenmornan, faced living with Chrohn’s disease and being diagnosed with dyslexia during her time at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Now the 24-year-old has graduated with a Master’s in Literary studies from the university, Danielle said it has been a dream for her as it’s something she never thought she would be capable of.
READ MORE: Northern Ireland £600 energy support payment to be rolled out 'from January', UK government says
“In a way, it feels like a dream because I never thought I would have been capable of this,” Danielle said.
“Living with a chronic illness and struggling with my mental health has been challenging but I want to stress that I couldn’t let it hold me back.
“I’m so proud of myself and my course mates for everything we have achieved.
“I was also tested for and diagnosed with dyslexia after I struggled with my reading and my tutor recommended the test which the University organised.
“That diagnosis was life-changing as I finally had the extra support that I needed to put me on the same playing field as everyone else.
“That’s actually what encouraged me to continue studying at Queen’s as I knew that they understood my condition and my limitations as well.”
Danielle paid tribute to the tutors at the university who were able to help her manage her workload while she had to take time off from her studies due to her health.
“The University showed me a lot of kindness during my time there,” she added.
“When my Crohn’s disease began flaring during my studies, the university was very understanding of my situation, and I was allowed flexibility with deadlines. My personal tutor Dr Ramona Wray was supportive and kind, and always kept in touch to make sure everything was going okay.
“Tutors were very understanding if I had to miss tutorials or lectures if I wasn’t feeling well and would organise for note-takers to be there in my absence.
“I think that was what helped make the experience of studying full-time with a chronic illness a little more doable as I always knew I had someone to turn to for help.”
Danielle is hoping to further her studies by going on to do a PhD in Scotland, and hopes one day to work in a historical house.
READ NEXT:
Celtic Thunder singer Ryan Kelly on breaking America and his pride in Tyrone hometown
Omagh man’s drive to help those in need this Christmas after helping homeless man in town
- Nextdoor app CEO on growing up in Tyrone to taking charge of one of Silicon Valley’s biggest names
- Childline calls up 40% in NI as children worry about rising cost of living
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. T o sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
