The Open University

‘My illness inspired my degree and NHS career’

18 July 2022

Amy was inspired by her own health challenges to begin a Health Sciences degree – but didn’t have the right qualifications in place. Thanks to The Open University’s open access policy, she was able to achieve her degree dream and land a job in the NHS. Amy, 26, shares how her own determination, coupled with […]

‘I changed my life through the OU – now I’m running my own business’

11 July 2022

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 […]

“Learning is a lifeline” says veteran Sarah

5 July 2022

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 […]

RAF image courtesy of Crown Copyright 2011

Finding a new purpose after the Forces

30 June 2022

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’m unlocking a better future for me and my family’

13 June 2022

“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 […]

“I failed a module, but came back stronger”

6 June 2022

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 […]

“I’m studying so I can set up my own environmental consultancy”

31 May 2022

Proud Open University student Kevin Odhiambo Onyango lives in Kenya and is studying for his MSc in Environmental Management – in preparation for setting up his own environmental consultancy firm. He shares how OU study has changed his life so far. “I am finding my experience of being an international OU student very exciting because […]

Young graduate Bryan completed his OU Business degree aged 18

‘I’ve always loved to learn’ says graduate who started degree aged 16

17 May 2022

Audit professional Bryan Steinauer credits his Open University Business Management degree – which he began at the age of 16 – with landing him where he is today. He’s working for one of the global ‘big four’ accountancies, where he’s on track to become a Swiss Certified Public Accountant (CPA). “My Open University studies have […]

Open University Nursing Apprentice Paul shares his innovative buddying system

‘Your first career doesn’t have to be your final one’

10 May 2022

Paul Gardner-Smith has just completed his Open University Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship as part of a drastic career change from secondary school teacher to nurse. He’s now living his dream career as a Registered Nurse and has already created an inspired ‘buddy’ system to support the next generation of nursing apprentices. As part of Paul’s […]

OU Law student Steven is an advocate for disability rights

‘I’m advocating for the rights and equality of people with disabilities’

28 April 2022

Steven Sutherland from Kilbarchan near Glasgow is on a mission to create positive change for the disabled community. An established disability rights advocate and former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, 27-year-old Steven is now studying a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree with The Open University. He’s determined to use his qualification to progress in […]

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Category: Student stories