‘I never considered university was an option until my son encouraged me to take the leap’, says mum of OU graduate

Posted on 25 March 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology, Student stories

When George, 28, from Kent, earned his BSc in Computing and IT from The Open University (OU) last year, he never imagined his success would inspire his mum to follow in his footsteps. Thanks to his degree, George has already secured multiple promotions and even an award nomination. Now, his mum, Maria, 52, has embarked on her own OU journey, proving that it’s never too late to learn. Together, they share their experiences of studying at a university that truly caters to all.

“To my peers and teachers, choosing the OU was seen as an unconventional route, but for me, it was a strategic decision,” says George.

“My friends studying at a brick university seemed unsure about their career path and what lay ahead after graduating. Some didn’t even know whether they’d be able to secure work.

“By studying with the OU, I gained a degree alongside my job, ensuring I had both qualifications and industry experience. Over six years, this decision has paid off, and I now work as a Principal Consultant at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.

“Last year, I was lucky enough to be nominated for Business Analyst of the Year. All of this has been possible with my qualification from the OU.”

A new chapter

George’s journey has shaped more than just his future – it inspired his mum to begin her OU degree.

Maria has worked at a school for additional needs for over a decade, supporting students aged two to 19. While she had years of experience, she felt the absence of formal qualifications held her back.

“I was written off at school. I wasn’t naughty, but I picked up a stigma that was hard to shift,” commented Maria.

“Although I didn’t continue with formal education, I knew that having a qualification had many benefits, so I always encouraged my boys to try hard with their studies.

“I adore my job, but I just kept thinking, the older I get, if I wanted to swap roles or move away, I would have all this valuable experience and nothing on paper to prove it to other employers.

“When George started studying with the OU, I never considered that it might be an option for me until George encouraged me to take the leap. He kept saying to me, ‘Mum, you can do this! Why don’t you do something?’. He really believed in me.”

A life-changing decision

In 2020, Maria enrolled in a Bachelor of Honours in Early Childhood Studies with the OU, which has already impacted her career.

“I frequently covered for teachers on leave, but I really wanted to be in one classroom. When you do cover, you move between different classes, and I missed seeing the children flourish and progress over time.

“When I was asked to cover a class permanently as an unqualified teacher, I had the confidence to go for it. I wouldn’t have had that confidence if I hadn’t been doing my degree.”

“It’s opened so many doors for me. I feel like I have a future beyond my current job if needed. The OU is about giving people without qualifications a second chance, and that’s exactly what it’s done for me.”

Shared milestone on the horizon

George couldn’t be prouder of his mum’s achievements, as he explains:

“I knew she could do it. I know she doubts herself a lot because of her past experiences at school, but I see how clever she is. It takes a specific kind of person to do what she does – she’s incredibly empathetic and caring, and that’s a superpower in itself.”

Once Maria finishes her degree, she and George might even attend a graduation ceremony together – an incredible milestone for a mother and son who found their own paths through education.

“My mum’s proud of me, and I think I’ve surprised her,” George admits. “I didn’t really bother at school, so no one had high expectations of what I’d achieve. But I found my way, and now she has too.

“Our story is a testament to the OU’s flexibility and accessibility, proving that education is always within reach no matter your background.”

For more from George and Maria, check out the OU social media channels for some special Mother’s Day content.