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Ann Davies has never shied away from hard work, and since being elected as Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin last summer, she has embraced the responsibilities of representing her community. A proud graduate of ���Ҵ�ý’s (UWTSD) Carmarthen campus, Ann’s journey from rural west Wales to Westminster is inspiring. With a warm smile, she reflects on how her university experience has shaped her path.

From the farm to the classroom

Ann’s story began on the family farm in Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire, where she juggled early mornings milking cows with teaching music across the county. When her youngest daughter, Gwenllian, expressed her desire to study an Early Years Education course at university, Ann was there to support her - a move that would lead to her own academic journey.

“Attending Open Days with Gwenllian was eye-opening. When we came to UWTSD’s Open Day, what really stood out was the knowledge and empathy of the teaching staff who explained the ways they support students, like her, with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Then, when we learned she could study the course entirely through the medium of Welsh, there was no doubt in our minds that this was the right place for her.” Ann said.

“At the time, I was looking into online part-time courses for myself as I wanted to upskill and in the long run help Gwenllian with her ambition of opening up an early years nursery. The moment I learnt at the Open Day that the course could be studied flexibly in the evenings, I knew I had to join.”

Inspired, Ann decided to join her daughter, enrolling in a part-time BA in Early Year Education and Care course. By her final year, she and Gwenllian had already co-founded Cwtsh y Clos, a Welsh-language nursery nestled on the family farm which still thrives today. In 2015, both mother and daughter proudly graduated together.

Embracing growth and opportunity

Ann says she embraced her academic adventure and truly enjoyed every moment of her learning experience, despite the challenges. 

She said: “There was a lot of balancing to do. On Saturdays I’d leave the farm behind to come to the library and focus on my studies. It was tough juggling work, farm duties and caring for elderly relatives, but I rarely missed a Monday night lecture.

“The classroom was a mixture of students from different ages and backgrounds who were there because, like me, they worked full-time and wanted to upskill, but also hadn’t previously had that opportunity to go to university. I was the oldest in the class and I ended up taking on a bit of a motherly role. But everyone supported each other and there was a real camaraderie.

“The knowledge I gained on the course helped me go on to open the nursey and the skills I learnt like analysing information, asking questions and being open minded, are ones that I’ve taken with me into my political and non-political roles ever since.

“More than anything, completing the course boosted my self-confidence, confirming within me that I could achieve things, and this set the path for future success.”

Ann’s determination paid off, and motivated by her newfound confidence, she stayed to complete a master’s in Early Literacy, examining bilingualism in Early Years. Her academic success even led her to lecture on the same course she once attended, passing on her knowledge and passion.

Breaking barriers and building confidence

Ann’s path to politics was paved with community service, beginning with her role as a County Councillor for Llanddarog and later as Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs. But, doubts often lingered.

She said: “There’s a mentality, particularly among women from rural backgrounds, where you feel you’re not quite good enough. It’s a narrative I had to challenge within myself.

“When doubts crept in, somebody close to me sat me down and asked why I thought I wasn’t good enough to stand as an MP. After I explained why, she pointed out all the things I had achieved in my personal and professional life. We need more people like this to sit us down and remind us that we are good enough and that we should never doubt ourselves.”

On top of that, encouragement from her family and community proved pivotal. Ann said: “It was their belief in me that made the difference. My daughters turned my own advice back on me saying ‘Just go for it, Mam.’”

Staying grounded amidst change

Despite the demands of political life, Ann’s roots keep her anchored. 

“By Friday mornings, I’ve returned from the hustle and bustle of London to the farm and am out milking with my husband. When I’m in my wellies in the middle of the cows and their dirt, it brings me back to who I am, and I’m out of the Westminster bubble.

“Sundays are sacred – chapel and then a family lunch. I have three daughters and several grandchildren so after chapel, everyone is invited to the farm for a Sunday roast and we catch up. Farming, being a mother, grandmother and wife, is just as important to me as my day job, and along with my faith, these are what keep me grounded.”

Ann’s message of encouragement to women is clear: “Don’t be afraid to go for opportunities because you feel you’re not good enough. The skills we gain from juggling life - working while raising children and managing homes - are powerful and worth recognising.”

Her story highlights the impact of hard-work and the courage to embrace change. Ann has broken down internal and external barriers and forged her own path, and the University is proud to have played a part in this journey. As she represents her constituency with passion and confidence, she continues to stay true to herself and inspire others.

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996