Dedicated Wanda Hodgson is about to set out on a new career after obtaining a Master's degree - despite suffering from clinical depression all of her life.

The 55-year-old left Bermuda four years ago to begin studying for an MA in family and consumer sciences in the area of nutrition and hospitality management, and this July passed with flying colours.

She now plans to open her own lifestyle centre, entitled Back to the Garden of Eden, in Huntsville, Alabama, to offer nutritional advice to people, especially the sick.

For Miss Hodgson, her struggle to obtain an education has been a long and difficult one. She has suffered from clinical depression all of her life, and has been admitted to St. Brendan's Hospital on numerous occasions since the age of 18.

She said that on about ten occasions, she has attempted to take her own life.

Miss Hodgson said she was married at 16, a mother of two boys soon after, and then divorced by the age of 22.

And she said coupled with her mental illness, life had not been easy.

However, after becoming a vegetarian and totally changing her diet, losing 170 pounds in weight, and totally throwing herself into her studies, she said she feels as though her life has been turned around.

"A few years ago, I was ashamed of who I was and what had happened to me, but I am now ready to come out and explain how far I have come," said Miss Hodgson.

"I hope to provide some inspiration to people in Bermuda who have mental illness and who feel they cannot achieve.

"I want to say to people that no matter what age you are, if you are determined to achieve your goal, you can make it through all difficulties with the help of the Lord.

"To achieve this goal, I was very sick many days and it was very difficult, but with the help of prayer in Jesus's name, my professors and friends, I was able to graduate."

Miss Hodgson said she has travelled all over the US to talk about nutrition, takes cookery classes and also helps cancer-sufferers, who hope to control their illness with a better diet, as opposed to chemotherapy.

She added: "Since I have been here, I have learned that I have many gifts hidden under the robe of mental illness and they have exploded. Others can do the same."

Miss Hogdson said although her mental illness resulted in some time away from her studies, she said she was helped to achieve her MA by medical staff in Bermuda who made contact with Alabama A&M University in Huntsville.

But she said with everyone's help, she was able to complete the degree in three years, instead of the usual two.

She added: "I can't function quickly. I had a stroke a few years ago, which affected my left side, and has caused me some difficulties, but I found that with dedication and the will to achieve, I managed to go it."

For more information about the lifestyle centre, or to offer to help, call Miss Hodgson on 1-256-859-2236, Steve and Betty Doyling in Bermuda on 232-4451.