‘Everything has fallen into place since I discovered the OU’

Posted on 7 August 2023 • Student stories

Committed health practitioner Aoife, developed the confidence and self-belief she was lacking during her time at The Open University (OU). At 22, Aoife reflects on how she grew as a person and transformed her career.

“School wasn’t easy for me for lots of reasons. I experienced some bullying, which really knocked my confidence,” Aoife says. “I also think that my learning style wasn’t suited to the classroom environment. I’ve since realised through my studies that I love to learn theory and practical skills alongside each other, and you don’t get many opportunities to do that at school.”

A different direction

Having always dreamed of going away to study, it wasn’t easy for Aoife to accept that a brick university wasn’t right for her.

“I knew that I wanted to work in the health sector, and I had my heart set on a degree to kick start my career,” Aoife remembers. “But I realised after scraping through my A-levels that entering an education setting that I wasn’t comfortable with, would just dent my confidence even more.”

Aoife went on to complete an apprenticeship and gain valuable work experience, but still yearned to study at a higher level. It wasn’t until a chance conversation with a friend, that Aoife looked at the OU as an option.

“My friend explained how the OU worked for her and it sounded like something that would really suit me.” Aoife added, “Then I kept seeing posts from the OU pop up on my socials and it felt like someone was trying to tell me something!”

Deciding to take the plunge, Aoife signed up for a BA in Health and Social Care, and immediately knew she’d done the right thing.

“I absolutely loved the whole experience,” Aoife says. “I found everything so interesting and because I was working in a health setting at the same time, I could put what I was learning into practice.”

 Being part of a community

Although settled on the idea of distance learning, Aoife had a slight niggle in the back of her mind that she would be missing out on the social side of university. “I worried that I’d be lonely and wouldn’t have the chance to make friends,” she explained. “I couldn’t have been more wrong. I made great connections with people on my course. We had WhatsApp groups to support each other and we’re still in touch now. I love hearing how they’re getting on and seeing them progress in their careers.”

Aoife went on to say, “That sense of belonging goes further than the people I met through my course – I still feel like I’m part of something special. Crossing the stage at my graduation ceremony was the proudest moment of my life and I’ll always think of myself as OU family.”

Sharing her experience

Inspiring others to find their path is important to Aoife. “Everything fell into place for me when I discovered the OU. I found the ideal way to study for me, bought my first house and landed a job that I love,” she says. “Now that I’m working as a learning and development tutor, I can help other healthcare professionals reach their potential.”

Keen to promote the benefits of working in health and social care, Aoife has taken to TikTok to share her love of the sector. “I’m hoping to create a space where I can encourage people to have a fulfilling career and make a real difference.”

More to learn

Achieving personal, professional and academic goals has made Aoife realise her potential. “I’ve come such a long way thanks to the OU, I’ve grown as a person and I love what I do for a living,” she says. “I want to carry on learning and I’m already looking at postgraduate courses with the OU. My experience was wonderful from start to finish, so why wouldn’t I go for it again?”

Inspired by Aoife’s story?

Step into your future with the support of the OU. Register before 7 September for courses starting this October and discover what you’re capable of.