When Mosgiel-born Ms Adams (51) left The Taieri High School - now Taieri College - her ultimate dream career was to work closely with animals, but she never expected she would end up undertaking veterinary-related tertiary study.
"I have always had a passion to work with livestock - production animals rather than companion animals," she said.
She subsequently worked for many years in various administrative roles - including as an office manager - and in several fields, including human health, animal genetics and animal training .
Late in 2008, she decided to take the two-year certificate course at the polytechnic, hoping that, because it was distance-taught, it would enable her to do some paid work during her studies.
"Unfortunately, during the two years I managed to encounter more than my share of stressful events and found myself moving house four times, facing redundancy and losing a child. Not working fulltime while studying also takes its toll financially," she said.
The "amazing" team at the polytechnic's School of Veterinary Nursing sustained her through all this, and only one of her papers was submitted late.
Her partner, Pat, had also provided strong support, soothing her at times of academic stress "with flowers, pies and something sweet".
During the first year of her studies she worked on deer, cattle and dogs.
She completed 260 hours of hands-on practical work, mainly involving dairy cattle, at Clutha Vets, Milton, in her second year.
Ms Adams is proud that, despite all the difficulties, she has successfully completed the certificate course.
She is living near Dunedin and looking for a job to suit her new qualification.
And today, she will be one of about 250 graduands who graduate from the polytechnic in person in a ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall at 3pm.
