A Degree Earned Through Life’s turns
In 2013, I began my journey with The Open University, initially envisioning a six-year path to an undergraduate degree. Life,however,had other plans,and my academic focus evolved alongside significant personal milestones. What began as a pursuit of law shifted to social sciences after two years, ultimately leading me to specialise in geography – a field ignited by a growing passion for understanding climate change and its impact.
My graduation didn’t arrive on the originally projected timeline of 2020. Instead, it came this summer, a testament to perseverance through unexpected challenges. The years weren’t always conducive to study; balancing a full-time role in Software QA with wedding planning in 2015, and then navigating the complexities of new motherhood – including a frightening health crisis for my newborn daughter requiring emergency hospital care – demanded immense resilience. More recently, studies were interwoven with teaching swimming lessons, maintaining a blog, raising two young children, and supporting my grandmother through a period of declining health.
My Nan’s unwavering belief in my academic potential – she confidently predicted a distinction in a final module (which I achieved!) and a First-class Honours overall - was a powerful source of encouragement. Her passing last year brought profound grief, initially making it difficult to focus on my final year. Yet, drawing on the strength I’d cultivated throughout my studies, I persevered.
My path diverged from the conventional route encouraged by my school. I entered the workforce directly after A-levels,purchased my first home at 20,married at 23,and welcomed children at 24 and 29. There were times when completing this degree felt impossibly distant, but a deep-seated conviction kept me going. The process equipped me with valuable skills in qualitative and quantitative research, report writing, and academic analysis. more importantly, it taught me the power of self-compassion and the understanding that growth isn’t always linear. I discovered a strength within myself – a capacity for motivation and perseverance – that I never knew existed.
Now,with a First-class Honours degree in Social Sciences (Geography) in hand,I have a clearer sense of purpose. My next chapter is dedicated to contributing to a more enduring future, starting with small, meaningful steps. 🌍
