Geri Parlby

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From PR to academic – why it’s never too late to go back to school

Geri Parlby gave up a successful career in PR when she gave birth to her second child at 40. But after one too many choruses of ‘Wheels on the Bus’ she decided it was time to put her brain back into gear

What started as a one off course in medieval sculpture ended up in a 1st class Honours Degree in History and Theology, swiftly followed by an History of Art MA from the Courtauld Institute in London.

Geri, from Meavy in Devon, is now two years into her research for a theology doctorate and regularly lectures to mature students up and down the country.

“I’ve loved every minute of my studies, but lecturing to other mature students has been the best bit of my journey.”

Geri, now 52, has been so inspired by the enthusiasm of her students that she has set up her own lecturing company. Called N2O2 – short for Never Too Old To.

This offers a wide variety of special interest study days, weekend courses and a unique training programme for those wanting to teach mature students.

Says Geri: “Standing up in front of a room of people and talking about a subject you feel passionate about is a rare privilege. Being paid for that privilege is the icing on the cake!”

This article was created: 21 July 2006.
This article was last edited: 13 November 2006.

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