‘OU study helped me move on from the past – it changed my life’

Posted on 23 December 2024 • Education, languages and health, Student stories

Growing up in difficult circumstances, Ayesha, 38, never imagined that her ambition of achieving a degree was within reach, until an opportunity to empower others gave her the confidence to chase her dream.

Now in the final year of a Health and Social Care degree with The Open University (OU), Ayesha describes how much higher education means to her, and shares why she thinks the OU is the perfect way to achieve your goals.

A tough start

As a teenager, Ayesha yearned to fulfil her academic potential but wasn’t offered the same learning opportunities as the men in her family.

“While my brothers were studying, I had to work two jobs to earn money for the family,” Ayesha reflects. “I always dreamed of getting a degree and even imagined myself wearing a gown at my graduation ceremony, but I feared it would never happen.”

When Ayesha found the strength to flee her family home and seek refuge, she discovered a passion for helping other women to take control of their future.

“Life was hard growing up and I knew I wanted more, so my stay in a refuge was a fresh start for me,” said Ayesha.

“Many of my fellow residents struggled with English and I was able to help them navigate the health and social care system, supporting them with paperwork and appointments, or anything else they needed to move forward.”

It’s never too late

Finding happiness with her husband and starting a family together, Ayesha was able to build a happy home life and finally start thinking about her future.

“When I told my husband that I wanted to study, he was so supportive,” Ayesha remembers. “He told me to go for it and said he would be proud of me.”

Undeterred by her lack of formal qualifications, Ayesha was determined not only to achieve her ambition of getting a degree, but to carve a rewarding career path.

“When I was helping women on an informal basis, I realised that I wanted to train in social care and work with survivors of domestic abuse,” says Ayesha.

“Taking an OU Access course was the first step – having been out of education for a long time, it gave me the confidence to carry on and study at a higher level.”

Study that fits in with life

As a busy mum of young children, Ayesha grabs time to study whenever she can.

“The flexibility at the OU makes it possible for me to juggle everything,” Ayesha explains. “I can pick up my studies when my daughters are sleeping, so it works really well.”

Ayesha adds, “I can’t wait to take my daughters to my graduation and show them that you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Ayesha hopes that her story will inspire others struggling to find the confidence to go after their dream.

“If I can do this, anyone can! I’ve been recommending the OU everyone because it’s the perfect way to achieve your goals,” says Ayesha.

“I’ve had amazing support from everyone at the OU. My studies gave me purpose and helped me move on from the past. – the OU changed my life.”