Academic Me
No surprises for guessing I’ve got the study bug.
I am firmly ensconced in Open University Land a fair bit of the time. The fact that I work full-time, have a family and am also a carer doesn’t cut any ice – I still have to turn in the work and pass the exams and I frequently day-dream about the day when I am awarded my BA/BSc (Honours) in Health and Social Care.
Here are some of the things I’ve discovered as a Mature Student:-
- To my delight I’ve learned that I can write the hell out of an academic essay (ok sometimes it’s Red Bull induced, but hey give this girl a break).
- Procrastination weighs me down almost as much as the pile of books I carry around with me. Although I would have to say it’s a bit of a close call – my bag is so heavy most of the time, when I sit it in the passenger seat beside me my car thinks there are two people travelling and demands it to ‘belt up’
- After my husband my MacBook Pro (given to me by said husband) is my best friend. Like my husband it sees me at my worst, sitting in front of it in the morning crying because I can’t meet the work count (again) – but accepts me for who I am.
- I can work anywhere and frequently do. If you see me walking to work the strange look on my face is not because I’m in pain, it’s probably because I’m structuring my next essay in my head.
- I might have taken the plunge to study but in truth I’ve taken the whole family with me. They support me through the highs and lows and WHEN I get this degree it will be a team effort.
- And finally…… I wish I’d done this years ago.
Bella, one of my study buddies
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Hi Jacqueline,
I was very interested in your blog.The first time I have discovered what a blog is for!LOLOLOL
In February 12 I will be attempting the K101 Understanding Health and Social Care which is my first course choice-I would start with an exam based one, but other than the Human Biology course and K101 the other care type courses are all TMA and Ima based . The Course book looks very overwhelming to be honest!
As my two special needs children are at school and college respectively, I intend to try and study during the day. I really do take my hat off to you as you are already doing so much without studying-and yet you also study on top of that!Truly inspirational!
Emma
Oh to win the lottery and be the perpetual student. This too is a dream of mine. The challenges, the new knowledge, the sharing of old knowledge – all very exciting to me. Glad to know it’s a shared thing
Absolutely!
Hi Jacqueline,
I saw you on Dribbling Pensioner. Do have a look at my blog and hopefully we can subscribe to each other. I am so enjoying making new blogging friends. I also was a mature student with the OU and did fairly well. I did a creative writing course as well as others. After my first novel was published I stopped to concentrate on writing and am glad I did. Have a look at the blog and have a giggle.
I do envy you though as I loved studying and miss it so much. My hubby just got his doctorate and I am so envious.
I always had a study buddy too which was great,
Let’s be friends.
All the best
Lynda
Thank you for stopping by. Its always nice to link in with folks who have experienced the OU. I will make a cuppa and stop by your blog. Congrats to your husband – what an achievement!
Hi Jaqueline,
Aha, I see we are kindred OUA students! Congratulations on taking the plunge. I too had set myself a deadline and agree that we take the whole family with us on this journey. I have food and coffee placed near my desk, oblivious to everything, I find it later wondering how the hell it got there.
A friend and I call that strange staring behaviour ‘assignment brain’. I love that you can still ‘write the hell out of an academic essay’.All the best with your studies. Yes, ice cream makes everything better.
Danielle
Assignment brain – I like that! Thanks for stopping by and I’m pleased to have found you. I never cease to be amazed at what I learn from others who juggle family and study. I’ll give the ice cream a try
Hello Jacqueline
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile blogger award. More details her: http://wp.me/p1ZC80-G2
Love, Steph
Thank you so much, I’m really honoured!
I’m considering going back to school again…it would only be for about a year but I’m wondering how/if I could do this while working full time, or if I could survive with less money on part time (although I see surprisingly few part time jobs out there). Thank you for being an inspiration and proving it is possible if you want to do it badly enough! The thought of being self employed some day is both scary and exciting.
If you really want it you can, especially if it’s only for a year. I won’t lie, it is tough but there are also times when I feel fantastic that I am doing this and study has been a joy for me. Thank you for your lovely words. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You go for it girl.
I’ve had the study bug all my life, but being compulsively curious has its price: there is always something else to read, or study or do. I’ve resisted studying more than one subject or doing modules in parallel, but know that some do at The OU. I do have my eye on more than one OU subject though, not least Creative Writing, History and Psychology!
Hello Jacqueline, I’ve nominated you for the Beautiful blogger Award. Details can be found here: http://wp.me/p1ZC80-Lr
Love, Steph
Oh how exciting. Thank you SO much! I’m honoured.
You’re welcome Jacqueline
Hey student,
Whoop whoop, you have another award. Pop over and see.
http://lrcook.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/and-a-new-dress-is-needed/