Millie Nunn is graduating today with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Queen’s University Belfast.

Just days before Millie was due to begin her degree, she tragically lost her mother – her biggest supporter – after a short battle with cancer.

While it would have been totally understandable if she decided to take some time away from her education as she processed her devastating loss, Millie made the remarkable decision to start her course as planned.

For Millie, who was 18 at the time, her mum’s pride at her daughter having been accepted into Queen’s University served as her driver. Determined to honour her mother’s memory, throughout the next three years, Millie persevered amidst her grief to reach the milestone of graduation.

As she explains:

“I told her I got into Queen’s just before she passed. She was very unwell, but seeing the smile on her face brought me so much joy. That moment stayed with me.

“I kept reminding myself that finishing my studies would have made her proud. I also found strength in small routines, taking things one step at a time, and focusing on progress over perfection.”

Millie cites the support offered by her sister Victoria, along with that of Queen’s, as a cornerstone in helping her navigate such a challenging time:

“Reaching out to lecturers and accepting support also helped me massively. My personal tutor, Anne, was a particular pillar of support and I owe her a lot.”

For Millie, graduating from Queen’s marks the end of one poignant chapter in her journey, and the continuation of another as she hopes to build a career in the food industry, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

She plans to return to Queen’s for an master’s in Advanced Food Safety and dreams of travelling, believing that living fully is one of the most meaningful ways she can honour her mother’s memory.

Reflecting on how her mum would feel on graduation day, Millie says:

“She’d give me the biggest hug and say, ‘I knew you could do it. I always knew.’”

Her message to others facing grief while studying is both powerful and compassionate:

“Be gentle with yourself. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and it’s okay not to have it all together. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s strength in reaching out.”

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