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Welcome to another mature student story! This time we will have a look at the story of Therese, a young mom who started her mature student journey at 32 with the Open University and got her degree at 36!
In case you didn’t know, we have been sharing mature student stories hoping to help some “lost” people out there, those who think it’s too late to change their lives and follow their real dreams (you can find all stories at the end).
If you’re a mature student and want to share your journey—no matter at what stage you are—whether you want to stay anonymous or share your social media, get in touch with our Reddit Mature Student Community and we’ll feature it!
Enough said now, let’s go through “Therese’s story, a Business Management Degree at 36”.
Therese’s story, a Degree at 36
Hello my name is Therese. I’m 36 and I’m from a small seaside town in Northern Ireland called Ballycastle. I’m mum to a wonderful son called Alexander who is 8.
I started studying with the Open University at 32 after I returned home to NI from living in Scotland for 10 years. With a baby in tow, I had to rebuild my life!
I really wanted to return to education so the OU appealed to me because I could fit my commitments around it.
During my studies I worked as a cleaner in a few air b&bs in my local area and at times I’d have to bring my little boy along to work with me so I juggled work, study and raising a baby which was tough at times!
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What led you to start university at 32?
I knew I had more to give. I wanted to secure a degree and a career so that I could provide for my son.
Being a single parent meant that he was my dependent and I wanted to prove to him that no matter what life throws at you, if you work hard you can achieve anything you want!
I contacted the OU and they explained the process to me and I enrolled online, it was a really simple process! I have always had a keen interest in Business, especially marketing. So, I decided to study a BA in Business Management
In terms of fears before starting, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with my peers because I hadn’t studied in so long.
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What were the main challenges you encountered during your mature student journey?
During my second year I lost my dad. It was a very difficult time and I ended up deferring a module which meant that I completed my degree within 4 years instead of three.
My lecturers and the OU staff were very supportive. During this time my son was also going through the process of getting an Autism assessment which was a stressful time.
During these tough times I reached out to my lecturers to explain the situation and they were really supportive and allowed me some extra time to complete my work.
The staff are human and empathetic and they understand that those of us who are mature students tend to have other commitments so my advice is reach out to your tutor if you are struggling!
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Are you happy about your decision to return to education as a mature student?
Returning to education was the best decision that I ever made! It gave me a real sense of achievement. I graduated with a 2:1 while juggling so many other things which I’m so proud of!
I have set up my own business and I’m now a freelance social media manager which gives me so much freedom as I can work from home!
Therese’s advice for YOU
Do it! The only person who is stopping you is you! Trust me, I’ve been there!
I had many doubts and there were times when I thought I couldn’t do it but the feeling you get when get that piece of paper at the end is priceless and it opens up so many other doors!
I wish you the very best of luck! X
Thank you Therese!
A wonderful story Therese, thank you for sharing it and best of luck for your business! You can follow Therese’s entrepreneurial journey on her Instagram.
Did you like this story? Please help it reach more people by sharing it on your social media, thank you! If you are looking for more successful mature student stories, below you can find all stories published on our blog:
- Stephanie’s mature student story, starting university at 25 and graduating at 28, Marketing Degree
- Mark’s mature student story, starting university at 30 & graduating at 33, Supply Management Degree.
- Hayley’s mature student story, starting university at 29 and graduating at 32, History Degree.
- Abbey’s mature student story , starting university at 24, Psychology with Counselling Degree.
- Bethany’s mature student story, stating university at 27, Fashion Management Degree.
- Donna’s mature student story, graduating at 38, Forensic Science Degree.
- Therese’s mature student story, starting university at 32, Business Management Degree
- Debbie’s mature student story, starting university at 41, pursuing a Psychology Degree.
- Alexandra’s mature student story, starting university at 23, Computing and IT Degree.
- Oliver’s mature student story, starting university at 26 and graduating at 30, Business & Finance Degree.
- Dan’s mature student story, becoming a doctor at 30, Medicine Degree.
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