“I discovered that having a ‘wobble’ is all part of the study process,” says Open University graduate Sacha Jenkyn, who tackled a few setbacks during her degree in Social Sciences with Economics.
From overcoming assignment and exam struggles, to switching modules and finally finding her confidence, Sacha is proof that a few bumps in the road don’t have to stop you. She shares her story:
“I began studying with the OU in 2009. Despite having lived in the UK for quite some time, I was still struggling with the financial system here. My British friends and family were unable to explain it to me, so I seized the opportunity to learn about it and started a module in Personal Finance, then Business Studies and finally Economics.
Despite an honourable mark for my first Economics TMA (tutor marked assignment), I was in tears for the second one. I was completely paralysed by my ignorance in maths and my inability to understand some of the material. I decided to quit but felt devastated by my limitations.
Disappointing exam result? Dust yourself off and try again
I had a good think (and cry) over the weekend, and on the following Monday, I quit the Economics module and registered straight away with a Maths module (Y162 – Starting with Maths). At the time, I couldn’t remember how to do fractions or calculate a percentage, so I had to start from scratch! The OU teaching encompass theories with practical applications which gave me access to mathematical thinking in a very natural way. I loved it. The fact that I was able to do maths – and enjoy it – after decades of thinking I didn’t have a mathematical disposition gave me a lot of confidence.
After passing two Maths modules, I reapplied for the Economics course. This time I was able to grasp and fully comprehend the material and its complexities. I embraced the challenges ahead. I went on to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with Economics, and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Support from tutors and students
My advice to students who are struggling is to talk to their tutor and get personal feedback. All my tutors were supportive during my studies, and I was very grateful for the time they spent answering questions and encouraging me. I was also lucky to be part of student study groups on Facebook for my courses, so when someone felt discouraged, the group was supportive.
A second piece of advice is to accept that learning is an ongoing process. At the beginning it is easy to feel overwhelmed or under-qualified. But as time goes on, the learning process becomes easier. During my OU studies, I was working full-time, raising five children, and went through three operations to remove ovarian tumours. Although in hindsight, it sounds crazy, my studies were actually my ‘me-time’, and a purpose that kept me going.
A new confidence and career
Looking back, the confidence I gained through my OU studies has been invaluable. It led me to a new job as a Business Studies teacher and a private tutor in Economics. It was also useful in helping me to tutor my children for university and help with their GCSEs. I am in awe of the amount of material the OU has been able to teach us!
My experience has been challenging but so worth it. I still use today what I have learned, and I am quite proud of my achievements.”
