Soraya Macdonald

A career changer who put university on hold after leaving school to travel the world as cabin crew has now achieved a degree with The Open University (OU). 

Soraya Macdonald of Nairn in the Highlands has been able to juggle gaining her Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology qualification with work and family commitments. 

Her degree – free with the Part-Time Fee Grant - is now a springboard to further study and a new career, with sights set on becoming an educational psychologist.

Plans for new career

Soraya says: “When I started my degree, I was debating between teaching or educational psychology - a complete career change. The study of psychology felt like I was learning a new language… it was a great personal challenge and has improved my confidence, skill set and thirst for knowledge.

“My results have given me the confidence that with focus and belief in myself, I can do it. I have now applied to Dundee University for 2024 intake, to start my educational psychology journey.”

It was a great personal challenge and has improved my confidence, skill set and thirst for knowledge."

The 36-year-old says: “I have two young daughters, Arla and Flynn, and my husband Jordan was in the Royal Marines so based away in Arbroath, whilst also on deployment at times. 

“The Open University allowed me to study around nap-times and bedtimes, ensuring I could be everything to everyone… and do something for myself also!”

Inspired by her family, she says: “I feel so proud of what I have achieved. I hope my children can appreciate that hard work pays off. 

"I always achieved high grades in school, and was accepted to a campus-style university age 17. However, my focus was always to explore and experience the world, immerse myself in cultures and find my identity away from who I was expected to be. And whilst my travel experiences were absolutely wonderful, I felt I missed out on the university experience, and the opportunities that come with a degree.

“Gaining my qualification has made me feel much more confident and excited about opportunities in the future!”

Soraya moved to London aged 18 for 3 years working as cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, and then on to Australia for 4 years, and later Dubai where she worked as cabin crew for Emirates.

Achieving degree

After 4 years in Devon, Soraya and her family moved back to the Highlands in 2018.

Soraya worked as a Pupil Support Assistant in Highland Council area during her OU studies, and tackling two modules each academic year, planning was vital. She says: 

“We created a study room in the family home, which became my hideaway, to get through study hours. My husband was medically discharged in 2020, and supported my study by helping create a timetable. 

“This ensured I had my working days and study days whilst the children were at nursery/school, and one weekend day a week to fill in extra hours. Really, it was all down to time management.”

Anything worthwhile takes hard work and I did it! I'm super proud to be able to show my children when they grow up that if you believe you can, then you can."

Soraya – first in her immediate family to gain a degree - is now working as a Developing Young Workforce School Co-ordinator for the Inverness area.

Her OU achievement feels “absolutely fantastic!”, Soraya says, “a real mixture of relief, accomplishment and happiness.

“Being a full-time student, mum to two young daughters, working part-time and also juggling general day-to-day life and social activities was hectic, particularly in this third year.

“However, anything worthwhile takes hard work and I did it! I'm super proud to be able to show my children when they grow up that if you believe you can, then you can.” 

Of a potential educational psychology career, she says: “I find people fascinating, and often, you find that socio-environmental factors in childhood have contributed to human behaviour in adulthood. 

“Neurodiverse children were historically ignored in academia, and now society has acknowledged disorders which can affect learning. 

“The opportunity to support children who may or may not be experiencing an inclusive mainstream education, to achieve their best, would be the utmost rewarding career.” 

Photo by Julie Howden