How the computer has changed my life

Marjorie Chappell

My autobiography

No sooner did I own a computer, I started writing my mother's and my story, which I had always dreamt of writing. It will never be finished by me as 'The End' will have to be written by someone else! But I would love to see it published soon in memory of my very unique mother as without her love and patience for almost 70 years, I would not have been sat here today.

2002 - The Internet

I had recovered from an accident. I had broken my hip in 2000 and thought my independent life had come to an abrupt end. When I returned home, I felt I wanted to learn more about computers. Where could I go? Who would help me?

College at 72 years old

'Milton Keynes College' came into my mind and I wondered if I could go there? Thought about it a very long time before I plucked up the courage to write a letter. I was using the Internet by now and had bought another computer. I was very hungry for information about everything and needed help to achieve this.

I was enjoying the internet

Browsing the Internet and writing emails - what a revolution for me. It was getting better every day. As soon as I had written my letter to the College, within hours Jane was at my door. She filled the form in for me. I had become a student at Milton Keynes College (having left school over 60 years ago).

Anne and Seema

At first Anne, who had become my support tutor, was visiting me every Tuesday morning finding out what I knew. Within weeks Anne brought a form for a competition for over 50s who were taking advantage of Further Education. This was ME! And the form was posted off.

A Silver Surfer 2002

The following week another form for another competition from 'Hairnet' was filled in and sent off. I won both! One of five in the S.E. of England. I could not believe this and wished mother was here to share it with me.

Winchester May 2002

Anne and I were soon on our way to Winchester, where I was presented with a framed certificate as a Silver Surfer and another certificate from Hairnet, presented by Johnny Ball. My brother and sister-in-law had joined us for this special occasion. I had not realised that I was to receive the two certificates with my name on the brochure twice.

Where was all this leading?

All this is going down in my autobiography as and when it happens. Anne took me to meet Seema at Bletchley College. It had been suggested that I could receive more help if I could get to the College. But just at this time, a brand new College was being built for me! I had to wait until they had moved.

Seema and others

Were there to welcome me into the new Learndirect Dept. By now I had gained 3 certificates from 'Learndirect Courses'. I went on to gain 12 more over the next 2 years before Learndirect was closed at the College. This was a real bombshell - what was I going to do without this? I protested (in a nice way, I hope). Told not to worry as something else was being found for me. As it turned out this was only for me as the other students were gone.

European Computer Drivers Licence

ECDL. I went to a recruitment evening and was persuaded to sign up! For a course that would take a year. 20 months later I still have my head down. The greatest challenge yet! With so much to this course than I ever thought. I am told "You will do it, you will do it."

Two more modules to go!

ECDL is made up of eight modules with an exam at the end of each one. With two more exams to go before I gain my Drivers Licence. Oh dear! What did I take on? But at 77 two days ago, I am the OLDEST STUDENT IN TOWN, and enjoying every minute with Seema. We have to put up with each other for 4½ hours every Thursday afternoon.

Thank you.