Journalism student who raised baby throughout studies to graduate with flying colours

Sophie Hall, from Leeds, will take to the stage at The Lowry today as she graduates from our BA Multimedia Journalism course following a life-changing three years.

The 22-year-old had her son Ezra ten months into her time at Salford and has since juggled raising him alongside her studies for the last three years as a single mother.

Now she is preparing to pursue a career in investigative journalism upon receiving her 2:1 certificate. 

Sophie said: "I'm proud of what I've been able to achieve as it's not got easier as Ezra has gotten older to be able to do everything I needed to on the course whilst also be a mum.

"The first year was okay as I was pregnant for nearly all of it but once Ezra was born it obviously became harder as there would be full news days that I would miss and I spend a lot of time writing and doing stories from home. I was committed to doing everything I could to graduate."

Coming to Salford was a long-term ambition for Sophie, who was seriously unwell with a sudden illness at the age of 16, and who required multiple injections over the course of three months in hospital just as she was pursuing her A-Levels.

At the time, Sophie was told it was unlikely she would be able to have children due to the adverse effects of radiation from the numerous CT  and MRI scans she had to have.

She said: "When I got pregnant with Ezra, it was a massive shock. My parents then thought I was going to drop out and were sad as they knew everything I'd done to get into Salford, which was basically to reteach myself to read and write as a result of the injury.

"I said to them 'I can do this' and my stubbornness really pushed me through as I was determined to complete the course and get my degree."

On her son, she added: “Ezra is the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I was in a dark place before I had him and he has been my saviour and turned my life around. He is the funniest, happiest, most loving little boy and I could not imagine my life without him.”

Sophie's mother Sharon retired and supported her following Ezra's birth. With the two of them co-parenting together, Sophie was able to dedicate more time to her studies whilst also raising Ezra at the same time.

Sharon said: "All Sophie ever wanted was to do was to go to university and when she was unwell, we were really worried if she would even be able to walk or talk again.

"But she fought and fought, had a lot of injections and went through hell. When Ezra came along, she was so determined to carry on.

"I can't be anymore proud of her. There will be no-one cheering for their child more at graduation than me!"