Amy was inspired by her own health challenges to begin a Health Sciences degree – but didn’t have the right qualifications in place. Thanks to The Open University’s open access policy, she was able to achieve her degree dream and land a job in the NHS.
Amy, 26, shares how her own determination, coupled with the OU’s flexibility, enabled her to keep studying around health challenges and hospital trips:
“As a result of ill health, I couldn’t attend a brick university. I wanted to get my maths GCSE which I hadn’t got at school, so I had a maths tutor. She had studied with the OU and she told me how fantastic it was. I looked into it further and was amazed to discover that there were no entry requirements other than a desire to study.
“It very much appealed to me in that the OU was inclusive for all. This open entry policy was crucial to me as, without it, I would have found it difficult to progress in my education.”
Proving myself and giving back to others
“I’d always been interested in health and science, as I’d spent a lot of time with healthcare professionals myself as a patient. I loved the idea of combining the two together in a degree. The module list was so diverse, including Cell Biology, Practical Science, Infectious Diseases, Mental Health, Human Biology – the list goes on!
“I wanted to make sure my life kept pushing forward so I decided to use my illness to my advantage. I wanted to end up working in a health-related discipline, preferably the NHS, to give back for the care I’ve received over the years. I also wanted a degree to prove to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to.
“Distance learning suited me down to the ground. Throughout my life, I’ve had to have time off of education for medical reasons. With distance learning, I didn’t have to.
“It wasn’t without its challenges – I did my dissertation during the Covid-19 pandemic, for example. And I struggled a little in the first year, with getting used to the structure of distance learning and finding my way around the timetabling and module website, but I quickly got used to it. I asked staff at the OU for support when I was struggling, and they were more than helpful and supportive.”
The support to study with chronic illness
“With my medical condition, the flexibility the OU offers was extremely important to me. I had good and bad days, where I felt like I either could or could not study, but this was fine with the OU. It’s so true in that if you study with the OU, you can study anywhere and anytime. The flexibility was so beneficial to me as, without it, I would have found it very difficult and might have had to withdraw from the course.
“I did get a part-time job in the middle of my studies but, prior to that, I had to fit my studies around family commitments and also frequent hospital appointments in London. With my medical needs, it was quite tiring. It was a challenge but I’m proof that it can be done if you want to achieve it.
“The biggest challenge was staying motivated during the Covid-19 pandemic, but my wonderful family and friends helped cheer me on when I felt I was struggling. Of course, there was also my health to contend with and during my studies I was diagnosed with neuropathic chronic pain due to the many orthopaedic procedures I had during my childhood. The pain made concentrating very difficult at times.
“My family and friends were so supportive and that helped me get through. Plus, the understanding from OU tutors and staff was brilliant. When I needed an extension for an assignment because of my ill health, no questions were asked. I only experienced kindness and appreciation of my situation.
Unlocking a new career with the NHS
“When I started with the OU I had quite low self-confidence, but now I feel much more confident in myself personally and professionally. The OU is a journey, but not just an educational one, it’s a personal one too. The OU enabled me to apply for jobs within the NHS. I’m currently an NHS Health and Wellbeing Coach but I’m now studying for a Master’s in Public Health. My goal is to enter the public health field and try to benefit and influence the population’s health for future generations.
“My OU studies have hugely enhanced my chances of getting the kind of job I want. The Open University has opened many doors for me and made me believe that anything is possible. It makes you realise your potential and allows you to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a person. You are your only limit!
“If you’re thinking of doing an OU qualification, don’t hesitate. It’s a little scary at first, but you’ll meet such wonderful people from so many walks of life. The most rewarding feeling is afterwards when, despite all the challenges of studying and life, you’ve done it. You’ve achieved one of the most rewarding things you ever will, and you’ve enhanced your future. Believe in yourself and you’ll be unstoppable.”
