The Open University

My name’s Hollie and I’m 23 years old and I’m the full-time carer for my whole family – for my mum, dad and younger sister, alongside having autism myself. When I was just seven years old, my mum had a terrible and life-changing accident that has left her with serious health problems, affecting her cognitive and other capabilities. My sister has severe autism and ADHD and, due to the devastating impact of my mum’s accident, my dad’s mental health suffered to the point where he became unable to work. So, over the years, I became everyone’s carer. I had always wanted to go to university but couldn’t contemplate going to a campus or anywhere away from home, given my caring responsibilities. I was completely over the moon when I got the email telling me I had been accepted for the Carers’ Scholarship – it was like winning the lottery! I’m really enjoying my studies and should graduate next year. Today, my whole future outlook is so positive and I know I owe it all to the OU’s amazing alumni and supporters – the Giving Day is a fantastic opportunity to help even more people like me. You can help Carers like me access an OU education by donating to the Giving Day, please do check out the link on stories. . . . [Image description: A quote card on a pink background reads "Before being awarded my scholarship, my whole life was focused around caring for everyone in my family due to their individual needs. Today, my whole future outlook is so positive. Hollie, Carers Scholarship Recipient."] #distancelearning #openuni #scholarship #carer #studentlife #openuniversity #oufamily

Who else does this? 😂 . . . #OUfamily #OpenUniversityStudent #OpenUniversity #StudyInspo

“Get your family and friends involved, they’ll lift you when you need it" 💙 As a young carer with considerable responsibilities at home, Gary’s secondary education was cut short. Entering the job market at the age of 14, Gary never imagined a career in Law was within reach, until he discovered the OU. Overcoming many challenges, Gary completed his degree and is now an experienced Social Welfare Lawyer! . . . [Image Description: "Jump in with both feet. Most of all have fun! Take it from me – when you graduate, you’ll miss it, I do every day. I owe everything I’ve achieved in my career to the OU." - Gary OU Graduate] #oufamily #openuiversity #theopenuniversity #openuni #highereducation #distancelearning #lifelonglearning #studygram #studywithme #studymotivation #wednesdaywisdom

When your study buddy knows you are overdue a break! 😂 . . . [Image Description: Grey cat with green eyes, looking up at the camera. The cat is sat on a laptop with the OU StudentHome page open.] #openuniversity #theopenuniversity #studygram #kittensofinstagram #cat #catgram #oustudent #openuniversitystudent

Charlie, who played competitive sports for many years, studied through his cancer diagnosis and treatment. After failing a couple of assignments, he felt like giving up, but the goal of crossing the stage pushed him to continue. “I was finding the level of the work in that last year tough, and I was on the verge of giving up. But I’d come so far, I just had to pick myself back up." 🙌 Remember to reach out if you are struggling, we are here to help! Keep your end goal in mind 💙 . . . [Image Description: Slide 1: "I was on the verge of giving up but I'd come so far. I imagined myself crossing the stage at my graduation ceremony whenever I was doubting myself, then I absolutely smashed my final assignment". Slide 2: Image of Charlie holding his scroll, he is joyful and smiling and wearing his graduation gown.] #openuniversity #openuni #theopenuniversity #studygram #studymotivation #studyinspiration

In the summer of 2016, Helen’s life changed overnight after the sudden loss of her husband of 31 years. Three months later, feeling lost and looking for a bolthole, Helen started a Classical Studies degree. For Helen, what began as a distraction during the most turbulent time in her life became a sanctuary where she could escape over the next six years. 💙 . [Image description: "The OU is just the best thing I ever did; the confidence it’s given me is amazing. It is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’m now ready to continue my life and face whatever it brings, but I’ll be forever grateful for having the OU to distract me. I cannot thank the OU enough."] . . #oufamily #openuiversity #theopenuniversity #openuni #highereducation #distancelearning #lifelonglearning #studygram #studywithme #studymotivation #mondaymotivation

🤫 🤫 [Image description: A screenshot of a made-up social post: "Me: I'm going to submit my TMA early this time. Also me at 11:35pm:" with a photo os someone at a desk at night writing notes.] #openuniversity #openuni #studygram #assignment

"I was ill for a few months and considered deferring my studies but, with the support of my partner, a great tutor, and thankfully some good extensions from The Open University I am pretty much back on track! It's easy to let things build up, especially when you add ADHD in the mix, but I am so grateful for my tutor reaching out to me and doing everything he could to help me continue with the module without deferring. Lesson here is don't be afraid to reach out, even if you think there is no hope!" @audhdstudying 👏👏 [Image description: 'TMA Results'] #openuniversity #openuniversity #openuni #studygram #studymotivation

As a young carer with considerable responsibilities at home, Gary’s secondary education was cut short. Entering the job market at the age of 14, Gary never imagined a career in Law was within reach, until he began his OU studies. His advice for others? “If your education suffered because of your start in life, there are access courses you can take. Don’t be scared if you don’t have A levels or even GCSE’s, I didn’t. Jump in with both feet. Don’t have any preconceptions or judgements." 👏👏 [Image description: "I failed one module miserably and I felt like giving up, but when I have difficult decision to make, I always ask myself the same question – will this be something I’ll regret when I’m 40? I knew that if I hadn’t carried on, I’d never forgive myself."] #openuniversity #openuni #studygram #studymotivation #distancelearning #openunistudent

OU Senior Lecturer, Steph Doehler, explains how the integration of VAR and connected ball technology in the Euro 2024 tournament aims to improve game accuracy and fairness. Here's how it works! Head to the Open Learn link in our bio to find out more about innovation and trends in modern football! #euro2024 #euros2024 #football #openuniversity #openuni #openlearn

Some AI systems might seem like magic, but they only work if they have millions of labelled inputs to learn from. Compare this with humans who get the idea after just a handful of examples! #openuniversity #openuni #ai #artificialintelligence #openlearn #freelearning #studygram

Meet Lucas from @dogsforgood_uk who joined Prof Clara Mancini at her inaugural lecture this week to show off what he could do! In her inaugural lecture, Prof Mancini talks about her research journey in the field of Animal-Computer Interaction to develop the art and science of designing technology for and with animals. She discusses how inviting animals to the design table could help us to create a more inclusive and equitable society for humans and animals alike, and to develop in ways that are more environmentally and ethically sustainable. Head to the link in our bio to take a look. 🐶 [Image description: The video demonstrates Lucas pressing a button with his nose to turn on a lamp that's on the stage. Photo 1 is a close up of Lucas who is a black lab. Photo 2 is of Prof Clara Mancini smiling at the camera with staff from Dogs for Good and Medical Detection Dogs.] #openuniversity #openuni #studygram #research #ouresearch #stem #dogsforgood