I'm not exactly conventional in my
approach to education, but thankfully
neither is the OU!
Gavin Harper
When I was in secondary school I couldn't wait to leave and start work. I'm curious and thirsty for knowledge and want to learn what I want, when I want.
As soon as I was 16 I left school and jumped feet first into an apprenticeship with an engineering company. I loved messing about with old cars and taking things apart to see how they worked so it seemed like the ideal opportunity - particularly as they offered to sponsor me on a degree.
The months went by and no degree course materialised. I became impatient and contacted the OU to organise my own degree. At the time I was still only 16 and tutors were worried that I was too young to cope. In the end they agreed that I could do one 60-point course in my first year to see how I would cope.
I took to OU study like a duck to water. I worked hard and quickly proved that I could do it and ended up completing my BSc (Hons) Technology three years later aged 19! It was brilliant - particularly as I didn't end up in loads of debt like my mates who were going to campus-based universities around the same time.
OU study was a fantastic inspiration. It proves there are no barriers to education and that you really can go as far as you want to. There is so much knowledge out there and I love the idea of being able to acquire it. The materials are simply outstanding too - second to none. They are so well written and so well presented, making a potentially complicated subject accessible and easy to follow.
Above everything, I think my experience with the OU has inspired me to go on learning. My expectations of what I could achieve have just grown and grown since I began studying with the OU. It excites you, makes you want to keep learning more and more.
I'm 21 now and doing my PhD, which through a traditional route I wouldn't be able to do until I was 24. After that the OU has already given me so many directions I could go in.
I've wanted to teach science and technology for a long time and tried the OU's Student Associate Scheme which enables you to work in a classroom to see if you like the experience of teaching before you commit yourself. I'd also like to work in the media, in the public communication of science. Being able to share knowledge, make it accessible to all and open doors for people: I find that really exciting - the quality of the OU written material constantly inspires me; since starting with the OU I've now gone on to write seven books myself!
