On World Mental Health Day, Tarryn, 23, shares how studying at The Open University (OU) has given her the support and confidence she needs to pursue a new career path, helping young people to discover their potential.
Challenging circumstances
Following a misdiagnosis that followed her throughout school, Tarryn’s early education was fraught with challenges.
“Back in South Africa, where I grew up, I was diagnosed with an Auditory Processing Disorder. It went on my permanent record and regardless of my mother being convinced it was wrong, the diagnosis always held me back,” Tarryn recalls. “The teachers just assumed I couldn’t manage the work, whereas we now know that I have ADHD with an anxiety disorder, which doesn’t need to limit me.”
Determination to succeed
Despite Tarryn’s teachers predicting that she would never graduate from high school, she kept working hard to prove herself.
“Graduating was a big moment for me. It helped me to believe I could achieve more,” says Tarryn. Determined to achieve a degree but with family plans to move to Europe, Tarryn needed a university that offered her the ultimate flexibility. She discovered The Open University and soon registered for an Open Degree, starting with a subject which had always fascinated but challenged her.
“It wasn’t easy. I went for an introductory module in Engineering, which really put me to the test. Maths was a big part of it, and I’ve always struggled with the subject,” Tarryn explains. “Then I was in a new country, working long hours and getting up in the early hours of the morning to study. I wasn’t getting much sleep, but I was determined to keep going.”
Tarryn goes on to say, “Passing the maths element of my course was huge. It made me feel that I’m the only person who should decide what I’m capable of.”
Supported learning
Finally getting the support she needed was a turning point for Tarryn.
“With the OU, the support is all there,” Tarryn says, who now lives and studies in Germany “Take tutorials for example. That’s an environment I would have shied away from in the past, but everyone was so welcoming and understanding, I felt comfortable enough to ask questions.”
Connecting with other students has become an important part of Tarryn’s learning experience.
“I find that if I’m in a face-to-face situation, my anxiety kicks in and I start to worry about fitting in. With the OU, nobody cares about your looks, your age or anything superficial – you can connect on an intellectual level with people from all backgrounds, which suits me perfectly. I love the student community at the OU.”
Discovering her learning style
Being able to work in the way that suits her best has also been transformative for Tarryn.
“OU study has given me the freedom to learn in a way that fits in with my neurodivergence,” Tarryn says. “I ask a lot of questions, because I doubt myself and I need to check that I’m on the right track. The tutors have been so understanding and I never feel like I’m bothering them.”
At home, Tarryn has developed strategies for staying focussed.
“I have lo-fi music in the background, which helps me to limit the risk of distraction. I’ve also recognised that I need to set manageable goals, rather telling myself to study for a certain amount of time. If I do that, I end up just staring at the clock!”
With a tendency to feel overwhelmed, Tarryn lets us in on her top tip to relax herself.
“I always save a brief, simple task to kick off a study session – it helps me to get an early sense of achievement and gives me the motivation to carry on.”
A new path
Tarryn initially dismissed suggestions that she could be suited to a career in psychology, but with her newfound confidence, she started to consider the flipside.
“Having spent so much of my childhood in a psychologist’s office, it was the last thing I wanted to study,” she remembers. “But as my confidence grew, I started to think about the kids like me that I could help to see their own potential.”
Since Tarryn settled on her new path, she’s mapped out a firm plan for the future, and is now completing her Open degree with a focus on Psychology modules.
“I just love psychology – I know it’s what I want to do. I want to go down the neuropsychology route, so I’m already planning the Masters and PhD!”
Advice to others
Tarryn is keen to share her positive experience with others and has been recommending OU study to her friends and family – she explains why.
“You can achieve things you never thought were possible – the OU offers amazing opportunities and supports you to get there.”
“It’s a perfect balance – you have the structure of assignment deadlines to keep you on target, but the flexibility and support to do it your way.”
“You’ll develop skills for life – I’ve matured greatly thanks to the OU. My communication skills have improved, and I’ve refined my ability to process complex information. Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose.”
