With the youngest of her five children at last in high school, Helensburgh Public School teacher Merle Carrett went back to university, as she had always planned.
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But even in academia, motherhood duties found her, sort of.
On Wednesday Mrs Carrett and her daughter, Katelyn McPherson, donned matching blue robes and graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Master of Special Education for mother and a Bachelor of Primary Education for daughter.
In the bustle of the academic year, the Engadine pair only recently realised they would graduate in the same month. On the same day. In the same ceremony.
"It just happened to be," Mrs Carrett said.
"[Getting ready] this morning was crazy."
Ms McPherson said she drew on her mother's experience as a teacher, and her expertise with similar assignments.
"I'd get her to check assignments," she said.
"It's really nice to be sharing this day."
Mrs Carrett squeezed her studies in around her work duties and would often hit the books until well after midnight.
"There was no other time to do it - that was my focus for two years. I'm really proud about it."
