The end of an era

It seems strange to think that after nearly six years of study I have only one assignment left to complete my degree pathway. What started out as just something to keep me occupied during lockdown became so much more, and reignited in me not only a passion for my subject area but also a renewed interest in research and critical enquiry. What a journey it’s been. And for that I’m extremely grateful.

But perhaps more importantly, the last few years have given me the opportunity to make so many amazing connections with other people, which took me from a position of being on my own just with my laptop churning out assignments, to being involved in a range of extra curricula activities and events, both within the University and with Open SU.

It is often said that distance learning can be lonely and isolating, and that is probably true in many respects. But if you have the time and inclination to get involved with other initiatives that are offered, then it really does feel like you become part of a meaningful community. And certainly that is how I’ve felt since the first time I made the decision to apply for a volunteer role, about three years ago. From that time my involvement has increased in ways I wouldn’t have imagined when I registered for my very first module.

Although my degree programme is coming to an end, I hope that won’t signal the end of my learning journey with The Open University. All being well, I plan to continue to postgraduate level, so we’ll see how that goes. And hopefully that means I’ll maintain some, if not all, of those amazing connections I’ve made over the years.

Okay – back to assignment writing. I can’t procrastinate any longer or it won’t get finished !!!

But best of luck to all those people who are also completing their final EMAs or exams this academic year. Maybe we’ll meet somewhere at a graduation event.