“The OU’s flexibility suited me much better than a brick university”

 She said: “I always loved school and even at a young age I was reading many non-fiction books and visiting museums to learn. At the age of 12 I developed M.E. (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) where I developed severe fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and dizziness. I missed out on most of my high school teaching and had to my studies at home. It took me three years to complete five or six GCSEs. 

Eventually, after some time out resting and pacing, she became well enough to attend Sixth Form almost full-time and achieve her A Levels in biology, chemistry and art textiles. 

She said: “I got into Aberdeen Medical School with AAB in my A Levels and an A at AS level. I loved every moment and felt medicine was a very good fit. However, towards the end of my second year in 2010 I had a severe relapse and became mostly housebound. I had to drop out at the end of my second year with a Diploma in Medical Sciences. 

“I moved back home and had to focus on resting. I could only manage to get out of the house for a short trip in the wheelchair about once a month.” 

Natalie then decided to sign up for Art History at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The course had fewer contact hours so she could manage her illness and study when she had energy. 

“I never got back to the level of health I had, but I got back to a level where I could get a part-time job. I became a notetaker for students with disabilities and have worked with multiple students since then,” she said. 

“But I missed studying science. I knew about the OU from when I was ill as a teenager, as many people with M.E. have studied with the OU. I also had some experience of online learning from one of my GCSEs so I knew it would be a good fit. Plus, the OU had a credit transfer system, so I could transfer the credits that I’d worked so hard to achieve in Aberdeen. I wanted that hard work to go towards something. 

“Health Sciences fitted the best with my interest and passion for studying human biology, and with my credit transfer. I have friends that went into scientific research within health and medicine and thought that this degree would be useful, in case I ever I felt up to applying for that kind of work or pursuing a higher degree. The OU accepted all the modules I did in Aberdeen except one, as it was a clinical skills module, so that was good.” 

Natalie had been so focused on becoming a doctor originally that she didn’t have a clear career path. By this point she wanted to study for her own personal goals, and found distance learning was perfect. 

She said: “The flexibility the OU offered was very important and suited me much better than a brick university. I could study around work and my illness. Managing my illness already feels like a full-time job, so other areas of my life need to be flexible so that I can work and study whilst at my best. I’m usually a bit foggy in the mornings and sharper in the evenings, and distance learning with the OU meant I could study whenever felt best for me. It also meant if I was having a bad day with my health I could take a break and watch any lecture recordings I’d missed.  

“It helped that I could choose how many modules to do, and that I had a long time to complete the degree. I started off with two modules at once but this was too much so I carried on with one at a time. 

“I was motivated by the subject itself being so interesting. All of the tutors were really helpful and supportive as well. I enjoyed the teaching materials – they covered the subjects thoroughly. I particularly liked the virtual laboratory we used. It allowed you to try out lab skills through a computer, as not everyone can get to an on-campus laboratory.” 

Although she considered taking a break, Natalie never thought about quitting. 

She said: “The most challenging times were when my health got in the way. There were times when I considered taking a year out to rest. There were also times when I needed extensions. I got ahead at the start of each module so if I had a period of bad health I had some leeway. 

“Through my OU studies, I learnt a lot of skills, especially in time management and self-discipline. This is particularly helpful in my current job as I am freelancing, working with students with disabilities, doing notetaking. Freelancing means I need to manage my workload well.  

“My qualification will open up a lot of options for me if I choose to study further or change career. I’m not working towards any specific major goals at the moment. I am interested in further study. I might look more into further study in epidemiology and public health, or research in virology. My BSc in Health Studies, along with my Art History degree, can open up a lot of avenuese, which is very helpful when having a fluctuating disability. However, I know that my health will always limit me. 

“If anyone is thinking of taking up OU study, I’d say go at your own pace. The OU doesn’t have the same pressures as a brick university to complete the degree in a short amount of time. Balance study with the rest of your life. And, pick a subject you really enjoy, as it’ll make everything seem much easier.”