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Category: Student stories

Kyle looking aside from the camera, smiling with floral wallpaper behind him.

‘My confidence is the best it’s ever been, thanks to the OU’

Hampered by low confidence, Kyle, 36, rejected the place he was offered at a campus university, despite his lifelong dream of achieving a degree. Now studying Arts and Humanities at The Open University (OU), Kyle shares how a promise to his late nan gave him the strength to fulfil his potential and unleash an insatiable […]

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A young women with long blonde hair and a flower crown, smiles at the camera.

‘Every person I have met online has been so friendly, helpful and inspiring’

At 19 years old, Izzy wanted to achieve a degree but knew ‘going away’ to university wasn’t right for her. She shares how studying flexibly from home with The Open University (OU) fit her lifestyle and career goals. Izzy, now 21, said, “I was lost on what to do, knowing I didn’t want to attend […]

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Darren Harris wearing Paralympic kit, sunglasses, facing the camera and holding a gold cap to show 100 caps for the England blind football team.

‘OU study taught me a lot about myself,’ says dual Paralympian Darren Harris

As excitement builds for the Paris Paralympic Games, we caught up with Darren who, whilst competing in two separate Paralympic disciplines, completed a Psychology Conversion Course with The Open University (OU). Darren reflects how the flexibility of OU study made it possible to juggle the demands of training with an intensive postgraduate programme, in a […]

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A young woman wearing walking boots and a hat in front of mountains.

‘Carve your own path’, says graduate who started OU degree aged 15

Eileanoir from Ireland began studying with The Open University (OU) at just 15 years old. What started as a way to challenge herself whilst still at school, became her route into a role with a multinational start-up and a life of exploring the world. “I loved languages at school,” said Eileanoir, “but I didn’t feel […]

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Photo of a young woman with long dark hair, standing in front of a sea view.

‘Take that leap of faith and build your own future’

After years of torment from bullies, Shayda was forced to leave school before finishing her A Levels. With dreams of becoming a barrister, The Open University’s (OU) open entry policy allowed her to reclaim her education and take control of her future. Now, at 23, Shayda from Folkestone has just finished her first year of […]

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Princess on the set of the OU's game show Smartest in their Space, looking and smiling at the camera.

‘OU study is making a difference to my business already’

Surrounded by a family of academics, freelance artist and Open University (OU) student Princess, 26, was determined to revisit higher education having struggled to find the right study path after she left school. As the first year of her Design and Innovation degree draws to a close, Princess shares how OU study has “broadened her […]

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Chido on filming set for OU gameshow, facing the camera and smiling.

‘The OU has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream career’

At the age of 17, Chido left school to start a family, putting her academic goals to one side. After years of feeling she’d missed out on the degree she yearned for, Chido is chasing her ambition of becoming a professor. Now 39, busy mum and mental health support worker, Chido, shares how she manages […]

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Joe at his graduation ceremony with the backdrop of sky, throwing his mortarboard in the air.

‘I chose OU study when I left school, and it’s fast-tracked my career’

On A level results day Psychology graduate Joe, 22, had a lightbulb moment that changed the course of his future. When he finally listened to his heart, Joe carved his own path towards the career he yearned for and has never looked back. Now an assistant psychologist in a mental health hospital, Joe shares how […]

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Gary dressed in a suit and tie, smiling at the camera.

‘I can now pursue a career, not just a job’ says OU Law graduate, Gary

As a young carer with considerable responsibilities at home, Gary’s secondary education was cut short. Entering the job market at the age of 14, Gary never imagined a career in Law was within reach, until he discovered The Open University. Unlocked potential Gary always assumed that leaving school before he had the chance to gain […]

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Head and shoulders shot of Rebekah facing the camera and smiling.

‘My OU scholarship makes me feel seen, valued and worth investing in’

When Rebekah, 37, gave up her place at a campus university to care for her disabled son, she feared her academic aspirations would never be fulfilled. Now on course to achieve a Law degree, Rebekah shares how receiving The Open University Carers’ Scholarship allows her to study flexibly around the needs of her family, whilst […]

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