A STUDENT who juggled her studies with bringing up her baby will be able to fulfil her dream of going to university.

Shannon Fieldgate, 19, was one of thousands of teenagers who picked up their A-Level results last week.

But Shannon had an extra supporter at home rooting for her – her twoyear- old daughter Ava.

Shannon, who lives in Monkwick, Colchester, always wanted to go to university, but when she fell pregnant thought it would be out of the question.

But her determination, along with a lot of help from her mum Angela, has earned her a place at Essex University after achieving two Bs and a C in her A Levels.

She said: “It has been really hard. To get these results is amazing.

“Ava understands a little bit. She got excited for me when I found out.

“My mum is like my saviour.

“My plan ways always to go to university, but then I got pregnant.

“I thought I’m not going to be able to go. I thought no way, you can’t do college and have a child.

“She pushed me to go and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I want to show other people you can still do it.”

Shannon started her A Levels at Philip Morant, in Rembrandt Way, Colchester, when Ava was just six weeks old.

She studied double health and social care and English language and literature.

Her English mark was just six marks off a B, so she is hoping to have it remarked.

Later this year she will start an English literature and language course at Essex University, and hopes to become a teacher.

She said: “I’m so excited.

I can’t wait to go there.”

She said: “When I woke up I had an email from the university so I knew I had got in, but I was still nervous.

“My teachers are so happy.”