{"id":11648,"date":"2019-02-01T01:01:56","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T01:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ounews.co\/?p=11648"},"modified":"2019-02-01T01:01:56","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T01:01:56","slug":"finlay-games-my-ou-success-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/student-stories\/finlay-games-my-ou-success-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Finlay Games: my OU success story"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finlay Games, 44, from Eastbourne, is studying with The Open University (OU) for an Open Degree<\/a>. As a transgender man with a history of mental health issues, his recovery experience and gender transition awoke a passion to inspire and support others to make changes in their own lives, in order to overcome personal obstacles to succeed. Finlay appears in the OU\u2019s national advertising campaign with Channel 4 in addition to sharing his story online in the OU\u2019s series of Open Diaries<\/a> \u2013 which lift the lid on what it\u2019s like to study with the OU.<\/p>\n

Finlay spent the majority of his adult life struggling with mental health problems and anxiety. As a result, he developed issues with alcohol and drugs which he endured well into his late thirties. At the age of 37, after experiencing what he describes as a continuous \u2018Groundhog Day\u2019<\/em>, Finlay turned his life around, enrolled on an AA programme and a degree with the OU, and has since been clean and sober for over 8 years.<\/p>\n

Finlay explains: \u201cWhen I found the OU, in 2010, I’d just entered a recovery programme with the AA. I had been very unwell for a number of years and suffered from mental health problems. From as young as I can remember, I just didn\u2019t feel right. I explained it to my dad as a homesick feeling \u2013 I just felt like something was wrong inside of me. I was constantly anxious and didn\u2019t know why. As I grew up, it got worse and I did the silliest thing in the world \u2013 which was to start drinking and taking drugs to numb my feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn recovery, suddenly all of these opportunities were available to me. I could see a future for myself and I really wanted to make something of myself. I knew for the first time that I wasn\u2019t the daft, useless person that I thought I was \u2013 and so I started looking at some of the courses that the OU had to offer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Flexibility was essential<\/h2>\n

\u201cInitially, I had a look into The Open University, thought about it for a couple of months and spoke to several advisors online to ensure it was the right match for me.<\/p>\n

“I was worried about being able to handle the work load as I had not studied for a while. Thankfully, they held taster sessions for potential students to see if they could manage the course and this definitely encouraged me to sign up for a full degree.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Support to succeed<\/h2>\n

Finlay continues, \u201cI also could not have gone to a traditional red brick university, because of the drinking culture. As a recovering alcoholic, my personal well-being and transition had to remain as my number one priority. I have a number of transgender friends who are currently attending a brick university, however, they don\u2019t have anywhere near the amount of support that I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Finlay\u2019s journey did not come without its obstacles, whilst transitioning he has been able to progress and succeed as a result of the support of his tutors and the confidence boost that came with his studies.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the beginning, I told my OU tutors about my mental health problems and the fact that I was a little concerned about studying. Then I came out as trans as well, which meant that I would need time off for surgery and appointments. The OU has been incredible, I have a personal advisor \u2013 who is amazing. Whenever I have a hospital appointment, I just let her know and there\u2019s never any judgement or questions asked!”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Newfound confidence<\/h2>\n

“My confidence is now amazing too \u2013 my OU journey has really helped me transition and helped me to rewrite all of the negative stuff that I’ve told myself over the years.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Since embarking on his journey of sobriety, Finlay acknowledged that his gender insecurities were at the root of his anxieties and has since transitioned to a trans man. As a result of this realisation, combined with his OU studies, Finlay now has the confidence to openly share his story and in future, hopes to support others facing similar issues via his blog and YouTube channel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a transgender man, my recovery experience, mental health issues and gender transition ignited a passion in me to inspire and support others to make changes in their own lives, in order to succeed. Since 2012 I have hosted a YouTube channel<\/a> and accompanying blog<\/a>, under the name \u2018Finntheinfinncible\u2019. Here, I share openly in film and in writing, about my personal experiences. I am also currently working on a memoir, as well as beginning to write short fiction stories.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cIn the future, I am really interested in completing further study and going on to study for a Masters or an MBA with the OU, as my experience so far has been wonderful and I really enjoy learning new things every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

It’s never too late<\/h2>\n

On appearing in the OU\u2019s advertising campaign, Finlay says:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Open University gave me the support and flexibility that I needed to follow my passion, so I\u2019m delighted to be involved in promoting them. The OU has definitely changed my life for the better. I can\u2019t wait to share my story \u2013 and show people from all walks of life that it\u2019s never too late to pursue their passion and career aspirations.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Watch Finlay’s story:<\/p>\n