Student Story: Turning obstacles into cartwheels

Anouska Black, from Craigavon, was one of over 250 students who crossed the stage at the Waterfront Hall on Friday 9 June as part of The Open University (OU) Degree Ceremony. Her journey showcases the transformative power of education and how it can uplift and empower individuals even when they face daunting challenges. 

"I heard about the OU through TV marketing, at a very low point in my life, and decided to push myself out of my comfort zone. I completed the access module and was delighted with how flexible and suited to my life it was. I was eager to start my degree and never looked back."

While a teenager, Anouska, faced the challenge of being diagnosed with endometriosis However, she was determined not to let the obstacle define her path.

"Being a teenage mother, then diagnosed with endometriosis at just 19, unable to work or complete full-time education, I was always doing courses to keep my mind active, but never knew where my abilities lay or what life would have in store for me. I wanted to be ready and prepared for when/if I became mentally and physically stronger and capable of returning to work fulltime to have a ‘grown-up’ career. Achieving my diploma has helped me work towards many other goals and instilled important skills I use every day."

Anouska’s journey at the OU has been punctuated by unforeseen health challenges, including chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue, central sensitisation, and chronic migraines, to name a few. Despite these setbacks, she found support in the dedicated staff and tutors at the OU. It enabled her to navigate her studies and cope with the unpredictability of her illnesses.

"Asking for help was a real challenge for me, but the DSA (Disability Support) team were an invaluable help to me. My tutors have also all been amazing, understanding the unpredictability of my illnesses and accommodating with extensions or answering emails at ‘silly o’clock’ when I was awake very late or very early.”

“The difficult moments at the OU have challenged me beyond my wildest dreams, but I am extremely appreciative of them."

Anouska’s OU journey has not only enriched her academically, but has also fostered personal growth and self-belief. Despite the inherent challenges of her conditions, she has persevered and adapted.

“A timetable does not work for me as every day is unpredictable. If something happens on say, Wednesday, and I could not study, I was unsure of when I could make up the hours the next day because the reason could last for days. It’s very easy to fall behind, and I did many times, but somehow, I found the strength to push on and do what I could to complete my diploma."

The OU has not only given Anouska the confidence and belief in her own abilities but has also provided a renewed sense of purpose during her lowest moments.

"Studying at the OU has given me an overwhelming belief in myself that I never had before. I started my degree for the wrong reasons. To prove to people who had decided to walk away from me that I was worth something more, I was as good as everyone else, and I could achieve my degree, when at one time I thought this was never going to be achievable when I dropped out of my A-Levels and had my son. Now I am more determined than ever to complete my degree for me, and me alone. The OU has forced me to look deep inside and question who I am, what I want, and what the future may look like, when my illnesses took all this from me. The OU gave me a different purpose when I was at my lowest, and for that I will be forever grateful."

In addition to her academic pursuits, Anouska has also made a mark outside the realm of education. She has achieved success as Royal International Ms United Kingdom and Ms Northern Ireland in pageants, utilizing her platform to raise awareness of endometriosis and Northern Ireland on an international stage.

"I do not have very much free time as my hobby, turned into my passion, and I spent every spare moment working with my Ms. United Kingdom and Ms. Northern Ireland titles to help charities, make appearances, host events and judge other pageants across the UK and Ireland as much as possible.”

"After taking time out to look after my family and focusing on my mental and physical wellbeing, I am extremely excited to start studying again and pushing myself further than ever before, and hope my illnesses allow employment prospects to come from completing my qualifications."

Anouska’s journey isn’t over, she plans to return to OU study next year and continue her focus on Social Science and Business Management, but her journey to this point is a testament to the transformative power of education and the flexibility that the OU provides. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing their own hurdles, demonstrating that with resilience, OU support, and a belief in yourself, anything is possible.

“I was under an extreme amount of pressure last year, having three teenagers at home doing GCSE’s and transfer exams, balancing work and wellbeing, completing uni assignments and preparing to compete internationally in America last July. The day after the competition ended, I received my email telling me I had successfully completed my diploma and was so happy I did cartwheels up and down the poolside. I was so happy and proud of myself.”