Zimbabwean student Samantha, 25, had always loved academia, but despite being offered opportunities to attend universities in several different countries, the course costs were a barrier she was unable to overcome. Samantha was determined not to give up on her dream of postgraduate study and a career in translation, so she set her sights on finding another way to get there.
“I’d had a bad experience of online learning in the past, but I knew that I couldn’t afford to go to a campus-based university,” says Samantha. “So, I searched for top online universities and The Open University came up. When I found out that I could fit the course around work and fund my own studies, I knew I had to give it a go.”
Support when she needed it most
Despite her reservations about distance learning, Samantha enrolled on the OU’s Translation MA and couldn’t believe how accessible she found the course. “I was blown away by how the content was structured and the huge amount of support on offer,” she says. “Tutors always responded to emails quickly and they gave detailed feedback, which really helped me to develop.”
Samantha went on to say, “The OU understands that life doesn’t always go according to plan. I’m so grateful for the support I received when my nephew was critically ill. The tutors did everything they could to enable me to succeed. Their compassion meant the world to me, at what was a very difficult time.”
Finding the resolve to keep going
Working full-time as a teacher, Samantha was at school all day and in the evenings had lessons to plan and marking to complete. She describes how it was possible to fit everything in.
“I’ll be honest, there were times when I felt like I was losing control, but I found this amazing will power from somewhere. I drew strength from the fact that my studies were empowering me to fulfil a long-term dream.”
Opening the door to endless possibilities
Although Samantha yearned for a career in translation, it wasn’t until she started her OU studies that she was exposed to the breadth of the subject area. “I wasn’t fully aware of the opportunities and different specialisms the wonderful world of translation had to offer,” she explained. “The OU enabled me to build expertise and make contacts in a new industry, not to mention awarding me with a qualification that is world-class.”
Supporting others to follow their dream
While working on her first literary translation, Samantha still teaches part-time and gives advice to other students considering distance learning. Hoping to inspire other students to fulfil their potential, she wants to share her advice. “With exceptional planning and a robust support network, anything is possible. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, dive in – you’re in good hands with the OU.”
Samantha’s tips for fitting study into your busy life
- Remember why you’re doing it: “think about your end goal or the motivation behind your studies to get you through tough times.”
- Make the most of the support on offer : “OU support is so accessible, and their staff understand the real world so don’t be afraid to approach them.”
- Let friends and family help: “I have a friend who bought home-cooked meals to my house when I was struggling with deadlines, which was exactly what I needed!”
- Take a day off: “you need to be at full strength to achieve your best, so take time to rest and recharge when you can.”
- Be healthy: “eat well and do something makes you feel good. For me, it’s fresh air and exercise but do whatever works for your wellbeing.”
Inspired by Samantha’s story?
Step into your future with the support of the OU. Register before 7 September for courses starting this October and discover what you’re capable of.
