After a life-threatening illness, Lisa Lewis, 43, took the leap and enrolled to study a BA (Honours) Early Childhood with The Open University (OU). Since then, she’s never looked back and says her degree has helped her to land three promotions at work.
Mum of two, Lisa was working term-time in a nursery when in the summer of 2019 she started experiencing severe headaches.
“I’d gone off work with a bad headache, really intense and painful. It seemed to be getting worse and worse,” she says.
“My doctor advised that I have an MRI scan, which led to the discovery of massive clots on the left side of my brain – it was everywhere. Fortunately, it was caught early enough and I’m a lot better now, but I still suffer from daily headaches.
“Shortly after my recovery, COVID hit and due to my vulnerability, I was furloughed from work. It was whilst I was stuck at home during lockdown that I started researching the OU.”
Inspired to pursue her dreams
After a difficult time at school, Lisa had always wanted to revisit education, but lacked the confidence to pursue studies as an adult. It took her illness and the COVID pandemic to make her realise that life was too short to put her dreams on hold.
“I decided, you know what? I could have died and I’m so glad I’m still alive. There’s no time to waste wondering what could be. It was this mindset that made me sign up for the degree.
“Starting my OU studies has changed my life dramatically. I’m more self-assured and at work I’ve been promoted three times.
“When my studies began with the OU, I was a pre-school practitioner. The following year I became a room lead before progressing to a special needs coordinator. And just a couple of weeks ago, I was made deputy manager. It’s had a huge impact on my confidence.”
Flexibility has been key
Lisa is now half-way through her degree and has successfully juggled studies alongside working and caring for her family, due to the flexibility that OU study provides.
“You have to be disciplined and organised, but it’s possible to do it all with the OU.
“I like to plan my week out on a Sunday to make sure that I allow time for study without burning myself out. I aim to study two to three evenings a week, as well as part of my Saturday or Sunday.
“I’ll also allow a couple of odd days to play around with in case something happens.
“Assignments can feel overwhelming, which is why I always break them down into sections. If you’ve got a big essay to complete, approach it paragraph by paragraph. Bitesize chunks make it more achievable and easier to set time aside.”
Part of the OU community
Lisa documents her studies on her Instagram page, Lisa Janes Journey. With over 4,000 followers, Lisa discusses study tips and shares desk inspiration with fellow OU students.
“If you can create a dedicated place to study it can really help your productivity. I love my desk – being able to light candles and pop the fairy lights on – it’s my sanctuary. Being surrounded by niceties makes all the difference.”
Lisa’s advice for those that are considering a degree with the OU is to reach out to the vast OU support network.
“There are so many options at the OU. If you’re undecided, speak to the OU’s student support team or get in touch with the hundreds of OU students on social. You won’t regret it.”
Lisa is part of the OU’s flash fiction competition #OU50words. The multi-award-winning campaign invites budding writers to craft 50 words of creative writing in response to the University’s daily video prompt. To join in the fun, visit the OU’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
