Graduating like winning a gold medal, Kendall says

Barbara Kendall says her graduation with a double degree from Otago Polytechnic comes with a familiar sense of relief.

''It's like winning a gold medal - there is a sense of calm and satisfaction. It's like `phew','' she said.

Ms Kendall (45) was among 55 Capable NZ students, and about 650 others from Otago Polytechnic, to graduate in Dunedin yesterday.

She completed a graduate diploma in applied management and bachelor of social services in career practice degree, 25 years after leaving high school at the end of her sixth-form year.

Dressed in a gown, with mortar board in hand, she said the experience was surreal.

''It's quite amazing. It's something I thought I would only see in the movies.

''It's been 25 years since I was in a formal education institution and I always wanted to have a degree but never thought it would be possible.''

Ms Kendall, of Whangaparaoa, was asked by the polytechnic to talk at the graduation ceremony and decided to ''wing it'' without a prepared speech.

She said being qualified gave her confidence, despite her many career achievements.

''It gives you credibility. It's the respect you get from having a real qualification.''

Ms Kendall studied extramurally while coaching in London and travelling throughout the last year.

She finished over the Christmas holidays and was looking forward to a family holiday in Queenstown with her husband Shayne Bright and their daughters Samantha (11) and Aimee (7).

The family celebrated her graduation with a night at Larnach Castle while in Dunedin.

Ms Kendall said she would ''wait a few years'' before deciding whether to undertake a master's degree.

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz