AIBU To be a little bit proud of myself? (OU degree)

[Dr13Hadley]

This morning at 6.50am I submitted my final assignment towards my degree with the Open University. Started in 2019 two months before COVID kicked off. I’ve studied part time whilst holding down a full time job in the NHS and dealing with all the usual crap that comes with family life with two primary aged boys. Then half way through I was formally diagnosed with ADHD. I’m pretty damn chuffed with myself considering I usually start stuff and never finish it.

DH doesn’t really get it. He never went to uni and has done very well career wise. He’s also neurotypical so doesn’t understand what a bloody big achievement it is for me.

So AIBU to sit here feeling a little bit pleased with myself?! I have extremely low self esteem and it’s an unusual feeling! By my calculations, if this last assignment goes reasonably well, I should be on track for a 2:1.

It's being massively promoted over here, I'm so tempted, I mean I'll keep the day teaching job but it would be interesting to add to the cv, my son is almost 8 so I reckon it could be done, that said I've just applied to foster rescue dogs but sure 😆

would you mind saying what your course was?

Congratulations! I'm in the same boat, finishing up my final assignment that's due in on the 3rd of June and I'm also on course for a 2:1. Since starting my degree I've dealt with covid (caught it twice!), working full time, four new jobs in three years, an autism diagnosis, three bereavements (including my premature baby nephew), dad having health problems, relationship break ups, emergency repairs to my flat and probably more! I'm also feeling quite proud of myself! I don't want to steal your thunder or anything, but it's nice to have somewhere to say, look what I did! Go us!

A massive well done to you. Fantastic role model to your children 🙌🙌🙌

I just followed my interests and eventually that added up to a certificate - I did an intro to humanities thinking it would take me one way, but then I dotted off into history for a spell, then I did creative writing (which was a really excellent course) plus a couple of short courses. The intro to humanities was the favourite because it introduced you to so many things and really awakened a love of history which I still carry with me, not necessarily in a ‘study it’ way, but in terms of what I read and watch.

That said, I know fees have gone up, I did it all for pleasure but it was super-affordable, maybe not so much now.

Well done! You will love those letters after your name when you first get them! One thing nobody can take away from you, are your hard earned qualifications. 😊

Thanks for that, I always fancied Anthropology & Philosophy, it would never have amounted to a career but now I have that it's piqued my interest & especially after hearing your experience, I think that's what I'm looking for, just something new not to start a new career

Wow, I’ve woken up to so many lovely replies. Thank you all again! To those who’ve asked it’s a BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care. I’d like to work in Public Health / Health Promotion, that sort of thing.

Congratulations! This internet stranger is proud if you. And NT or not, your dh should be cartwheels proud of you; kids, home, job and degree. Well done you. 👑

🥹 thank you. Over the last 18 months I nearly gave up so many times. Almost everything I’ve ever started in my life I’ve given up.

After my A levels I went to a brick uni but couldn’t hack it so gave up after year 1, went to another uni closer to home and the same happened. Obviously I had no idea then that I had ADHD (I was diagnosed age 39 am 43 now). I just thought I was shit at everything.

To finally get a degree now is somehow showing my 18-20 year old self “look, it wasn’t you, you CAN do it”

I’m so proud of that girl. Me. She didn’t give up. Not this time.

Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐

I'm part way through and OU degree in Combined STEM, at the end of year 4 out of 6.

I'm enjoying it so much but it's a huge amount of work. I only work part time and don't have children so am in awe of how you've managed!

@Dr13Hadley that is awesome. You deserve to do so well - especially in such a needed area.

Your latest post made me smile and even brought a few tears to my eyes - it is so great to hear lovely news and I totally recognise the sheer determination and scale of your achievement - I am so pleased for you 😊!

Wishing you all the very best in your future career.

@Dr13Hadleycongratulations! It’s a fantastic achievement 👏 I was also diagnosed as ADHD/ASD part way through.

I graduated with a First from the OU and am now doing an MA online through the university of Wolverhampton.

Wishing you all the good luck for your results and whatever you choose to do next.

it’s a huge achievement OP!

I qualified as a registered nurse last November after doing the 4 year degree through OU, hoping to get to a graduation this year!

Amazing @Dr13Hadley , you rock. That's a huge achievement. Fantastic news!

Amazing, well done 👏👏👏

Well done @Dr13Hadley 👏

Congratulations OP, it is a huge achievement. I did the same degree part time with the OU over 6 years. I started it on mat leave with my first. I also worked throughout, and had a second child!

You most definitely should be very proud of yourself.

@Dr13Hadley many congratulations! What an achievement, especially when juggling work, family stress etc. Well done you! 🍾👏

You should be proud, it's a huge achievement and I don't think many people realise what hard work an OU degree is. Go for your Masters too!

Very well done 👏👏👏

There are tons of opportunities in that field. 🙌 great choice of discipline 🌟

Well done op. I didn’t get any GCSEs, ended up going to do a pioneering access course age 22 and then left after a year to go have babies. Took me 16 years to complete a degree, juggling 4 kids, tons of neurodivergence, trauma etc. I was proud as punch graduating and I’m delighted for you. I went on to get a MA the following year and the boost to my confidence was enormous.

You should be very proud of yourself. I'm proud of you and I don't even know you!

A little bit? That’s huge! Congratulations 🥳