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Darren's story

Darren is a real inspiration for all those people with busy lives: raising a family, working full time, coping with a health condition, whilst absolutely determined to return to learning and realise his ambitions.

Here's what Darren has to say about his OU journey

I had completed secondary education in 1999, and had decided to join HM Forces instead of continuing to study A-levels and move on to university. I have since worked as a barber and due to being diagnosed with ankalosing spondylitus, needed to pursue a change in career that would enable me to work through until retirement.

So, after months of deliberation on which path to follow, I contacted the OU in 2013 to study a Bsc Hons – Natural Sciences and am currently halfway through my second year. I enjoy the challenges and assignments given to me and the way this course deepens my understanding of both science and the world in which we live.

I relish the knowledge that I obtain and sit down to study every evening with enthusiasm. The biggest challenge is finding the time to study full time, work full time and spend time with my family.

My learning is greatly helped by my family and friends who allow me time to sit and study, as they know how much it means to me. I have four children who barely get to spend time with me, due to work and university commitments but I am fortunate that they are old enough to understand that this is a means to an end and that it will benefit them also.

My partner also supports me and plays taxi and chef to all the children in the evenings to allow me to study. My employer and work colleagues also take time out of their day to help me with areas I may not understand on my course.

Without this support I would struggle to find appropriate study time and sometimes to complete study blocks.

I have obtained a greater understanding of maths within science and developed a greater knowledge of science in general, including quantum mechanics, biochemistry, chemistry, and environmental science.

I hope to continue my studies to obtain an MSc and then to begin my PhD. I would hope to use my skills and knowledge to help resolve the world's growing energy problems and to help reduce CO2 emissions, as this was the main factor in my choice of studies.

My learning with the OU, has had an enormous positive effect upon my life so far. I had secured a lab technician post with a global leader in the bio-sensor industry in July 2014 working in biochemistry, and was required to manufacture buffers and stabiliser solutions for enzyme stabilisation and lyophilise various enzymes.

In October 2014, I was asked to complete work on an Innovate UK grant funded project, which included formulating water based screen printable ink, incorporating an enzyme and then manufacture a working electrode. I had completed this by Christmas and proven concept of theory.

I was given complete acknowledgement for my research by my peers and the Grants Monitoring Officer. This has led to our sister company requesting that I join them to carry out work within Material science and acquired the post of Prospective Development Chemist this year, looking to obtain Development Chemist by June 2015.

Also I have secured funding from my company for my PhD once I have completed my MSc.

All of this is thanks to the great work, that the OU carry out and the content of their courses. I would like to thank the OU from the bottom of my heart for your tireless work in helping others to achieve their goals.

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