Two OU students were successful in the inaugural Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) essay competition this year. Helen O’Shea, was the winner of the Undergraduate category whilst Kira Kazakova, also an undergraduate, received a commendation for her essay.
The winning entries were published in the Irish Psychologist magazine and the successful entrants will receive a significant contribution towards attending the Annual Congress of Psychology Students which is being held in Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in April 2013.
“One of my biggest concerns about studying with the OU was that the study was independent rather than normal lectures. This made me wonder how I was going to cope with self-regulated study and would I have the discipline required to achieve a BSc in Psychology. My concerns were quickly allayed when I came to realise the level of support and resources that were available, and in particular the standard and timeliness of communication between the tutors and the students.”
Helen, a wife and mother who says “there was a lot of juggling and late nights” in order to complete her studies, is now a research assistant on the Waterford Mental Health Survey, which is a joint project between the Health Service Executive (South) and University College Dublin.
Kira started her studies when she was working as a Legal Executive, and the OU was the best option for her to combine work and study. One of her major concerns was undertaking a course in English which, at the time she began her studies, was her third language. In addition, when Kira went back to study, she was, and still is, a single mother. “Raising a young child by myself, as well as trying to educate myself, was very tough at times...for three years between 2006-9 I was also working full time as well as studying.”
“I am very pleased to be a runner-up in the Essay Competition and I am very proud to represent the OU in this endeavour.”
Dr Aileen O’Reilly, PSI Graduate Officer and Council Member said “It was wonderful to receive entries from Open University students, and I would encourage more students to enter the competition next year.”
Karen Hagan, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Ireland says “The Open University is delighted that two students have received awards in the first PSI student essay competition. This shows the high calibre of our students and, indeed, their motivation to succeed.”
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Posted 8 April 2013
