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Category: Student stories
‘I changed my life through the OU – now I’m running my own business’
Business owner Rhiannon is proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. After falling pregnant at 16, Rhiannon left school with only a handful of GCSEs. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only turned her own life around but is helping others to do the same through her business. She puts […]
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‘The sky’s the limit’, says OU student and vegan entrepreneur
Carly McCluskey from Glasgow has launched a plant-based business to help make breakfast more environmentally friendly. Carly, 25, had the idea for a ‘vegan egg’ substitute during the pandemic and quickly enrolled to study Business Management with The Open University to make her side hustle a reality. “We went vegan about five years ago,” says […]
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“Learning is a lifeline” says veteran Sarah
When veteran Sarah had to leave her dream Royal Air Force (RAF) role, she didn’t know what her future would hold. She’s now working towards a new career, all thanks to The Open University’s life-changing Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund. During her time serving in the RAF, Sarah rose to the rank of Avionics Technician, at […]
‘You’ve given me a real purpose beyond my caring role’
As an unpaid carer and mum of five, Zoe Totten certainly has her hands full. Yet she’s determined to build a career that will support her family – and one day save lives. Zoe shares how receiving a Carers Scholarship to study Health Sciences with The Open University is helping her pursue her dream career […]
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Finding a new purpose after the Forces
Stuart Lawson had served in the Army for 19 years when a terrible accident turned his world upside down. It was while undergoing gruelling rehabilitation that Stuart set himself a new goal to work towards – becoming a History teacher. With the help of an Open University scholarship for disabled veterans, Stuart is now on […]
‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without my OU journey’
Susanna van Tonder enrolled with The Open University to push herself personally and professionally, but just two years into her studies, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Susanna shares how her tutor’s support helped her stick with her Open Degree – and how she’s now using the skills she acquired daily. Susanna, who lives […]
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From the Navy to a new career in law
For veteran Brian Playfair, life hasn’t always been easy. After 13 years of saving lives in the Royal Navy, Brian was medically discharged and faced a series of devastating blows – including the stillbirth of his son, and his other son being diagnosed with leukaemia. Despite going through the toughest of times, Brian can now […]
‘I’m unlocking a better future for me and my family’
“It has been a lifelong dream to have a higher education degree,” says Ferny Suhandi, who is part-way through achieving her BSc (Hons) Social Psychology degree with The Open University. After believing higher education would never be accessible, Ferny, who now lives and studies in Cambodia, is determined to show the world what she can […]
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‘I’m here to lift up my community so nobody feels alone’
After experiencing homelessness and challenges growing up, Lea Gibson is determined to create real change in her community. She combined her life experiences with her Open University qualifications to launch a business that provides support and wellbeing services for those in need. “I want to make sure that people never feel alone and they have […]
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“I failed a module, but came back stronger”
Aqua Koroma first started her university journey in 2000 but pressed pause on her studies when she became mum to two boys. After her marriage broke down years later, Aqua was inspired to return to study Law with The Open University and pursue her dream of becoming a solicitor. Her journey to graduation wasn’t without […]
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