Rockhampton’s Raylee Whalen will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree next month (February 26), 14 years after first enrolling for university study.

The Aboriginal woman has drawn on all her perseverance and determination despite facing challenges well beyond the academic content of the degree.

Mrs Whalen initially enrolled at James Cook University, but withdrew after illness and a breakdown of her marriage.

She moved to Rockhampton, patched things up with her husband and enrolled for study at Central Queensland University, but was hit by more family problems and recurring bouts of illness exacerbated by stress.

She has also faced the challenge of caring for her blind and mentally-disabled daughter and elderly father.

Mrs Whalen spent a long period dropping in and out of study before finally swapping to a part-time load to ensure she was able to complete the degree.

The degree included drama, welfare and psychology subjects.

Mrs Whalen encouraged other Aboriginal people to persevere with their studies.