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Category: Student stories
From the West End to the OU – how study set Karena on a new path
As an Open University student turned Associate Lecturer, Karena Serdecka-Rhodes-Bell understands first-hand how education can help to open new doors. Karena previously worked as a professional actress, singer and musician, performing in the West End and on TV, film and radio, before her OU psychology degree inspired her to become an OU Associate Lecturer. “I […]
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Studying at sea – Tracy’s incredible OU journey across the ocean
As any OU student will tell you, studying takes place anywhere and everywhere. This was especially true for Tracy Thorpe, who spent most of her OU journey in the middle of oceans whilst working full-time as a first mate and chef on private sailing yachts. Tracy started her degree in Modern Languages (French and English) […]
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Student and Tutor ambassadors feature in new campaign with Sky and Channel 5
On 24th April, The Open University is launching a brand new media partnership with Sky and Channel 5. The new campaign features student and tutor ambassadors, lifting the lid on what it’s really like to study with the OU. The campaign will help us reach new, broader audiences, inspiring potential students to consider The Open […]
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Following in his mother’s footsteps
For Marva and Adrian Rollins, a passion for education and helping others is something which runs in the family. Marva, who recently received an OBE from the Queen in recognition of Services to Education, has spent over twenty years as a Headteacher and continues to be an active and inspiring member of her community. Despite […]
Studying while serving overseas
Felix Asare-Donkoh, 30, joined the armed forces soon after completing his A-levels in Cardiff, but realised he was still keen to continue his education. Usually, this would mean leaving the army to study full-time, but by choosing to study with The Open University in Wales, Felix was able to study for his Bachelors in Engineering […]
“The OU gave me a head start” says UK’s youngest Law graduate
Zahra Alidina knew from a young age that she wanted to be a barrister and wasted no time in pursuing her dream. After sitting her GCSEs at 13 years old and A-levels at 14, she started her Law degree with The Open University at just 15 after gaining special dispensation. “I couldn’t imagine myself doing […]
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’50 Years’ photography collection launched
The Open University is marking its 50th year anniversary this month by telling its remarkable story through the power of photographs, in a collection released today. Former and current OU students, including a prisoner turned academic, a woman research pioneer in moon exploration and a soldier who studied in the field with waterproofed books, all […]
“We started together, we studied together, we graduated together”
Andy and Tania Vanburen have recently completed their MBAs with The Open University. Although they studied side by side and graduated together, their routes to an MBA were very different. Andy Vanburen left school after completing his GCSEs and joined a firm of accountants, studying one day a week for his AAT qualification. He gained […]
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From OU Student to Autism Campaigner
Jane’s story is one of resilience and of achieving against adversity. Despite her own deteriorating health, singlehandedly raising two sons with their own health conditions, homelessness and redundancy, Jane was determined to further her education and be a voice for others. Jane has won awards for her studying achievements and, although she can no longer […]
Following in her mother’s footsteps
As a child Demelza Dachtler grew up watching her mother, Julie, study for a Masters with The Open University. Today, she’s an OU graduate herself, is on the verge of completing her own OU Masters, and is about to become a mother for the first time. We spoke to Demelza last year, and now, in the […]
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