Student life here I come!

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

I’m finally about to do something that I’ve thought about and wanted to do for a very long time! Next week I start an access module with the OU ahead of beginning an actual degree next year. Yikes!

After being a straight A student at school, I dropped out of college four times – due to mental health issues, and bad life choices. Through my twenties, I always said that one day I’d go back to Uni and get a degree. More to prove to myself that I could do it than anything, but also to prove to all those teachers who kept telling me I always gave up, that I could finish a course for once.

Over the last few years I kept coming up with excuses as to why I couldn’t do it. Looking back, they all stemmed down to a lack of self-belief and feeling like I was good enough/smart enough to do a degree. A couple of months ago I decided that I should just go for it, the time felt right and I need to prove to myself I have more abilities than I give myself credit for.

So… I’m all signed up with the Open University – actually going to a physical uni just wouldn’t work right now I don’t think, with three out of my four kids home 24/7, childcare would be tricky and it would make our lives even more complicated. So I’m hoping I can find the discipline to study from home.

I decided to do the access module before delving into a degree, as it has been so many years since I have studied, I thought easing myself in would be wise – plus from a time point of view, the access module requires about 8 hours a week compared to 18 for a part-time degree course, so it gives me a chance to adjust our routines to fit in some study time for me without quite as much stress.

I’m taking the Arts and Languages module this year, at the moment I’m registered for the Open Degree next year as I wasn’t sure which course I really wanted to do when I signed up, but I’m thinking I will probably change to the  BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing).  I have zero idea what I plan to do once I have the degree, but for me, it really isn’t about that, it’s about challenging myself, stretching myself and proving to myself {and the world} that I can do this!

I’m half excited/half nervous about being a student again, making my brain work, and fitting in studying as well as mothering/home schooling/working and everything else I have on my plate!

If you’ve any tips on being a mature student, or fitting in studying with family life and work, let me know!