Today, OU PhD student Heidi, was joined by Sharon, an OU student studying Arts and Humanities with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Sharon is a classically trained dancer, singer and actress, who has featured in films, TV and on the stage. Her journey with the OU began when she was awarded a prestigious Black Students’ Support Fund Scholarship in 2023 (find out more about the scholarship here).

Sharon is now in her second year of her degree and shares her experience of studying with the OU so far, her exciting plans to write an autobiography, her inspirational daughter and her aspiration to become a teacher. With 16 years of experience of working with children and young people, Sharon plans to become a Performing Arts teacher. In this conversation, she outlines ways to avoid feeling isolated as an OU student and encourages all those with a dream to pursue it.

Unfortunately, due to technical issues on the day of the recording, there is a slightly abrupt ending to today’s episode. We apologise for this but use it as a reminder that life always throws us curveballs! As students, we all know the challenges of IT glitches and connection issues, but just like with today’s episode, we do our best, press on and make the very best of it. Huge thanks to Sharon for generously sharing almost three hours of her day with us to make this episode possible and thanks to Sophie Hoyle from The Open University for making this great conversation happen.

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In this episode, Heidi and Scott speak with Dan Richards, an elite athlete and OU student who received a Disabled Veterans Scholarship with The Open University in 2023. After serving in The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and later Afghanistan, Dan had a devastating motorbike accident which caused him to lose almost a quarter of his body. However, Dan refused to let ‘one bad day’ (his words) dictate the rest of his life. He soon began his progress back to recovery and to the military. After three more years, Dan was medically discharged, and after returning to live with his mum, a mixture of unemployment and depression caused him to question his future. However, a new job opportunity through Capstar Services and his relentless pursuit of his fitness goals (running, rowing and cycling), led him to the Invictus Games. He later joined The Open University in 2023 to study BSc (Hons) Sports, Fitness and Coaching. Dan’s story is one of perseverance, grit and determination, and one which we know will inspire so many. Be sure to follow him on Instagram @theonearmedwonder.

Please note, this episode details physical injury and includes two references to suicide.

In this special edition of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi speaks to Rebekah. Rebekah is a mother to three children and is a year away from completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with The Open University. She is a full-time carer to her eldest son, who requires 24/7 support, and was awarded a Carers Scholarship through the OU. In this inspiring conversation, Rebekah shares an array of insights into how she manages her time, stays motivated and outlines the barriers facing those looking to practise Law, especially women with caring responsibilities. This episode is designed to celebrate the amazing women out there raising their children while studying with the OU. Happy Mother’s Day. We would like to extend a huge thanks to our producer on this podcast, Sophie Hoyle, who works in the OU’s Development Office.

Enjoying the series? Be sure to rate us on whichever platform you download the podcast on and if you have any feedback, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk.