As a young carer with considerable responsibilities at home, Gary\u2019s secondary education was cut short. Entering the job market at the age of 14, Gary never imagined a career in Law was within reach, until he discovered The Open University.<\/p>\n
Gary always assumed that leaving school before he had the chance to gain qualifications would hold him back in life, despite knowing he had the ability to do more. A few years later, Gary attended a lecture with his partner who was studying Law at their local university.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understood everything the tutor was talking about, and I was hooked,\u201d Gary remembers. \u201cI wanted to learn more and see how far I could go – that\u2019s when I discovered the OU.\u201d<\/p>\n
At 26, when Gary came to learn that higher education was a possibility for him, he was determined to make it work.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinding a university that saw my abilities rather than a lack of qualifications allowed me to believe in myself,\u201d Gary shares. \u201cI was the first person in my family to go to university but at the OU, I never felt judged. Even at the beginning when the quality of my writing wasn\u2019t where it needed to be, the tutors gave me feedback and supported me to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gary\u2019s OU journey wasn\u2019t always plain sailing \u2013 with imposter syndrome and a failed module to overcome, his resolve was tested.<\/p>\n
\u201cI failed one module miserably and I felt like giving up, but when I have a difficult decision to make, I always ask myself the same question \u2013 will this be something I\u2019ll regret when I\u2019m 40?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gary adds, \u201cI knew that if I hadn\u2019t carried on, I\u2019d never forgive myself. The great thing about OU tutors is that they explain where you went wrong. They want you to succeed and encourage you to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still caring full time for his mother, Gary found ways to carve out time for his studies wherever possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t easy. I could only study when my mum was sleeping or when a family member came to help out,\u201d says Gary. \u201cBut I loved my subject. Despite having so much to juggle, working towards my degree was the best experience. It gave me something else to occupy my mind and allowed me to focus on myself.\u201d<\/p>\n