‘I feel like I can do anything, thanks to OU study!’

Posted on 22 April 2025 • Student stories

Having struggled with the structure of school and college, Leonie, 25, was convinced that higher education wasn’t for her, until a TV advert for The Open University (OU) made her think again.

Now a proud Business Management graduate, Leonie shares how she juggled being a new mum with a busy job and full-time study.

Figuring out future plans

After leaving college, Leonie couldn’t wait to put education behind her and enter the job market. Working hard in her retail role, Leonie was used to earning her own money and thought the opportunity of getting a degree had passed her by.

“I didn’t want to leave home and go away to university like some people my age,” Leonie remembers. “I hated school and didn’t much like college. I think it was having to be somewhere and ready to learn at a certain time that didn’t work for me.”

As time went on, Leonie started to look ahead and ask herself what kind of career she was looking for.

“I got to a point where I wanted to do something else and I’d always been interested in accountancy,” explains Leonie. “I didn’t know how I’d get there as I couldn’t just give up work to train. It was my mum who said there must be a way to learn online from home and then one day while I was watching TV, an OU advert popped up. It was like it was meant to be.”

Flexibility to study around life

Once she explored how she could learn online and be supported by the OU, Leonie decided to take the plunge.

“I liked the flexibility of being able to work to my own schedule. I could take breaks when I needed them and make sure I was studying when I was in the right headspace, not like school and college when you’re tied to a timetable,” says Leonie.

Studying at full-time pace while also working full-time, Leonie managed to pass her first year before finding out she was expecting a baby.

“That was hard! I remember being so tired around the time I was studying for exams and I was finding it really stressful,” Leonie admits.

“But the tutors were so helpful, they were quick to reply to any questions I had and understood when I needed more time.”

A welcoming community

Determined to continue studying at the same pace, Leonie welcomed the support of her fellow students.

“I loved the group I connected with. We had a group chat and whenever I was stuck with something, there was someone who was happy to help,” says Leonie.

Demonstrating amazing resilience, Leonie passed an end-of-module assessment just a week after giving birth to her beautiful son, Malachi.

“I don’t know how I did it, but I did! If I’d been studying at a physical university, I would have had to quit, but with the flexibility you get at the OU I could carry on and study when Malachi slept.”

Leonie adds, “I’m not going to lie, it was tough. There were tears and times I thought I couldn’t carry on, but I got through it and got my degree.”

Advice to others

Thinking about what kept her motivated, Leonie shares her advice for anyone studying with lots on their plate.

“No matter how hard it seems, get your head down and think about why you’re studying. Everyone has their own reasons. For me, it was thinking about Malachi and what I wanted for our future,” Leonie reflects.

“Thinking about the end result is a good motivator. I imagined myself on that stage, looking great in my gown and celebrating with my family… it worked! I feel like I can do anything now.”

When the day she’d visualised finally arrived, Leonie enjoyed every minute.

“On the day of my degree ceremony I nearly cried, I felt so proud,” Leonie says. “I even met some of the people from my study group, it was cool to be all sat there celebrating together.”

For those considering starting their study journey, Leonie has this advice:

“I’d definitely recommend the OU to other people my age. Going away to university isn’t possible for everyone. Being able to study from home on your own schedule while you work to support yourself are big reasons to give it a go,” says Leonie.

“I never felt alone in my studies, there was so much support. You can connect with other students, figure things out together and push yourself to do things you never thought were possible.”

Inspired by Leonie’s story?

Find out what you’re capable of with OU study. Register by 11 September for courses starting in October.