‘My OU scholarship allows me to pursue my dreams, without the fear of debt’

Posted on 20 May 2024 • Student stories

After a tough start in life, Althea 20, moved into foster care. The stability of her new home allowed Althea to focus on her education, achieve impressive A level grades and bag a university place. Plans changed on finding out she was expecting her first child – Althea needed to devote her time and resources to her beautiful son and put her academic aspirations on hold.

Now embarking on a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, Althea shares how The Open University Care Experienced Scholarship “changed the trajectory” of her life and unlocked the opportunity to pursue her career dreams.

Finding balance

Despite loving her new life as a mum, Althea soon realised that she was craving an intellectual outlet.

“The journey of motherhood is most definitely worth it. I made the right choice for me although it was a difficult one,” Althea reflects. “By the time my son was a few months old, I was in serious need of some mental stimulation. I started searching for universities with childcare facilities, but there was limited choice, and I wasn’t comfortable with the thought of leaving him for long periods of time at such a young age.”

Being unable to find the right solution at a campus university, added to the need for flexible study, led Althea to consider distance learning.

“When I discovered The Open University, I knew immediately that it was the place for me. As a single mother, flexibility is imperative and the OU has a great reputation,” Althea explains. “I was eager to start and would scour the OU’s website in my free time. That’s how I discovered the scholarship.”

Grabbing the opportunity

Worried about how she would afford university, Althea applied for an OU scholarship designed to support students who have experienced care.

“I was completely taken aback when I saw an email offering me the scholarship. I think I actually felt my heart stop and then before I knew it, I was having a celebration dance with my son,” Althea remembers. “I put him down, read through the details and was brought to tears. I feel so blessed and appreciative to have been awarded this scholarship.”

With a passion for literature dating back to early childhood, Althea couldn’t wait to delve into her English Literature and Creative Writing coursework.

“I’d like to become an English teacher and share my love of literature with my students,” says Althea. “I will also always pursue my writing – I plan to write a novel and continue to write poetry with the aim of being a published writer.”

Message for donors

As a recipient of one of the OU’s life-changing scholarships, Althea wants the amazing OU community to know how much this opportunity means to her.

“There have seldom been points in my life where I’ve not had to worry about finances. From an early age, I was accustomed to going without,” Althea says. “Both the scholarship and bursary I received has allowed my academic achievement to take precedence over financial circumstance.”

Althea adds, “The scholarship has enabled me to study without fear of debt and the bursary has equipped me with all the resources I need. I would like to extend the utmost gratitude and respect to scholarship donors – you’ve changed the trajectory of my life and many others.”

Inspired by Althea’s story?

Every donation helps to deliver the OU’s mission of making education open to all. Head to the Open Futures Fund page to discover more about the scholarships provided as a result of the OU community’s incredible generosity.