I left school with zero qualifications and worked in kitchens as a porter until I was 22 when I saw men double my age working 18 hour days, six days a week, and I knew I wanted something that wouldn’t destroy my body or social life.
I’d always had a keen interest in history and politics, and the best days out for me would be walking around museums, so I looked at the OU’s History short course and tried one to test if I had the aptitude – at the same time my drug use was increasing. I did my A111 and when I got a silly certificate in the post after my first year, I cried because I did something and I’d never really felt that before.
Then I got arrested. I thought my life was over, and I am not afraid to admit that I made a good attempt on my life because I’d lose my flat and car and I thought I wouldn’t be able to continue my degree. That’s a lot of money all together. But once I was out of remand I found out I could pick up right where I left off. I am now on my EMA A113 and so excited for the future: I can’t wait to see how far education will take me. It has not only improved me as a person but also my reading, writing (I do lots of writing competitions now) and employability. I can also hold fascinating conversations that I was unable to do before.
The OU saved my life and I bid anyone: please take the leap. I never thought I could ever. However it’s still four years away but I’m excited to graduate and so could you!
Best of luck to all you other OU students.
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