Mother and son graduates Madelina (Maddy) and Michael Agius were friendly rivals during their studies but still helped each other out during study group sessions around their kitchen table.

And things could have been even more competitive as Michael's sister Jillian was at one point sharing classes with both her mother and brother before taking a year off for a travel traineeship. (Jillian has since returned to complete her degree).

Maddy and Michael share their milestone

Maddy is the first of 4 sisters to get a degree and Michael is the first grandchild of 13 on Maddy's side of the family to get a degree, so they are both proud.

"I never thought it possible for me to get a degree let alone having the privilege of graduating with my son," Maddy said.

In the lead-up to their graduation in Mackay last Monday evening (April 7), the Business/Accounting students reflected on their study journey.

Maddy's first semester was autumn 2001 and Michael's was autumn 2004.

"I only did 1 or 2 subjects for the first few semesters as the children were younger and I worked full-time, first in an accounting firm then as an office manager/book keeper in a company," Maddy said.

"As I got better with study and time management I increased to 3 subjects and did spring/summer so that I could finish.  Michael did 3 subjects most semesters and did spring/summer and worked full-time in an accounting firm.  He did well to complete it in 4 years working full-time."

Maddy and Michael did a mix of on-campus and off-campus studies but often found themselves in lecture theatres together.

"We sat in lecture theatres together and it was amusing when students and lecturers first found out we were mother and son.  Michael did not mind sitting with me as there was a mix of young and older students," Maddy said.

"We also had lots of study groups at our house and we went to other people's houses.  There would be up to 7 of us older and younger around the table.

"The younger students liked it as it encouraged them and motivated them.  It was good for Michael and I as well; if I had my books out he would get his out.  There was rivalry between us to see who would get the best marks.  It was good for motivation."

Maddy said other students appreciated how valuable it was for the pair to have each other to lean on and to understand the pressures of studying and working.

Michael is now an accountant with Whitson and Dawson in Mackay.  Maddy has moved from being an office manger with Mackay Reef Fish Supplies to become a Financial Accountant with Mackay Sugar.

"I would recommend the experience to others. From a mother's point of view it was great to understand the pressures and to show my children that if you want something bad enough you can get it at any age.

"We kept each other going, especially towards the end when you get tired of juggling work and study.

"We each met nice people and still remain friends with them.  We would sit behind each other in exams, usually me in the front. We stressed together and would get up 2 or 3 times through the night to look online to see if results came in."