When English Literature and Creative Writing graduate Maria, 32, realised that attending a brick university wasn’t the right fit, she thought her dreams of becoming a writer were behind her.
Spurred on by her mum, Maria discovered supported distance learning at The Open University and never looked back. Now celebrating the degree she always yearned for, Maria shares why she thinks OU study is the ideal way to pursue your passion.
One size doesn’t fit all
Keen to progress to higher education after school, Maria followed the same path as her peers and signed up for a brick university.
“It just wasn’t for me. I can be quite reserved, so attending lectures with so many people was quite daunting,” Maria remembers. “I also think I was a bit too young – I wasn’t ready, and I chose the wrong course.”
Deciding to leave university and find a full-time job, Maria spent her spare time crafting short stories and poems.
“I’ve loved writing since I was a little girl,” says Maria. “I see a pen and paper and have this need to get something down.”
Seeing Maria’s passion unfulfilled drove her mum to scour the internet for a learning approach that would inspire her daughter.
“When my mum showed me what the OU had to offer, I thought it was perfect,” Maria recalls. “I loved that you didn’t have to go to physical lectures and that you could live your life while you get an education. I wish I’d known about it earlier.”
“It makes financial sense too, you can fit study around work, avoiding the huge debt lots of students have to take on,” she adds.
Support every step of the way
Unsure what to expect from distance learning, Maria was thrilled to find she never felt alone with her studies.
“I’ve never experienced anything like the support you get at the OU – it’s something else!” Maria says. “My tutors went out of their way to help, even calling me personally to go through anything I was struggling with. They’re amazing, I couldn’t fault any of them.”
Maria adds, ”I enjoyed getting involved with student forums too, they’re an informal way for students to support each other and share experiences – knowing there was a whole community there if I needed it was really reassuring.”
Faced with the tragic loss of her dad in year her third year, Maria reached out to the OU’s Student Support Team.
“I couldn’t have asked for more – it was the toughest time, but everyone rallied around to make sure I had everything I needed,” said Maria.
Pushing through tough times filled Maria with the confidence she needed to get to the finish line and achieve her degree.
“Losing my dad was incredibly hard, but there were other times when I really needed to dig deep,” Maria describes. “A disappointing mark can leave you questioning your abilities, and it was my tutors that dragged me out of that place, the OU’s support system is absolutely amazing.”
Advice to others
Having overcome some challenges along the way, Maria shares her top tips for OU study.
“Don’t try and do it alone – make the most of the incredible support the OU offers and connect with other students in the right way for you.”
“Take a break when you need to – when I got a mental block I’d go for a walk, have a change of scenery and the ideas would start to flow.”
“Make yourself do a little bit, even when you don’t feel like it – when I had a bad week at work, I’d tell myself to just do an hour and often I’d end up doing more.”
“Believe in yourself – I learned loads about myself throughout my studies – I know know that I can do anything I put my mind to!”
And for anyone considering OU study, Maria has this to say:
“You get a top-quality education with next level support. I guarantee you won’t regret it – choosing OU study is the best decision you’ll ever make!”
Inspired by Maria’s story?
Study the way that works for you, without having to give up your day job. Register before 9 January for courses starting in February.
