After struggling to manage her mental health and studying whilst attending college, Alana, decided to try distance learning instead.
Alana has studied both GCSE and A Level courses with Open Study College, as well as Criminal Psychology with the hope of one day working in the police force.
We caught up with Alana who spoke candidly about her studies and reasons for choosing distance learning…
I left school in 2012 due to physical health issues and didn’t get the grades I wanted. My mental health deteriorated in the following year, so I took some time away from studying in order to recover and think about what I wanted to do with my life.
I came across distance learning in 2016 when searching for Criminal Psychology courses. I’ve always been interested in criminology and when I saw the course with Open Study College I enrolled immediately. Distance learning really appealed to me as it meant I could do it in my own time without any commitments whilst coping with health issues.
I achieved a distinction in my course, which gave me the motivation to look at boosting my qualifications further. I soon enrolled on GCSE Sociology and achieved a grade C which I was really proud of.
After completing my GCSE, it spurred on to do my A levels which is completely new to me. I am now studying A Levels in English Literature and Philosophy. My plan is to study then a HND in policing. Ultimately, my goal is to have a career with the police force.
I chose to study with Open Study College in order to further my education for a number of reasons. Firstly, the tutor support I received during my first course was brilliant. Secondly, they offered a good range of courses that I was interested in and it is easy to enrol. And finally, studying with them is really straight forward; their course packs are very helpful and there are no time limits for assignments, so I don’t have any pressure like I would attending a regular college.
The most enjoyable part of my studies is that I’m studying because I want to, not because I have to. I get real enjoyment from my studies as I love what I am learning.
I would like to say that I’m sure there are many people in the same boat as me who have been through or are going through health difficulties. You would not regret distance learning. It really helped me get my life back on track and gave me a purpose, something that is very difficult when you are going through a tough time.
For me, I’m 23 and unable to work, and whilst it might take me a bit longer to get there, it’s better late than never. You can do it too! Even if it seems impossible.
If you would like to find out more about distance learning, get in touch with our team on 03300 563100. Alternatively, go to our website to view our courses.
