The Open University is leading a national campaign called Life-changing Learning to show – through the stories of real people – the difference that part-time study can bring to people looking to transform their lives and careers.
Paul Carabine, 45, from Wallington, London, studied with the OU as an English Literature graduate, while working full-time as a history teacher and raising two children with high dependency autism. Paul has been selected as one of the students for the campaign in recognition of his inspiring story and successes.
With the boys diagnosed in their infancy, Paul and his wife have, united, faced the very difficult reality of raising two children with special needs and high levels of dependency; dealing with the ongoing day to day challenges with grace and selflessness. In honour of his unwavering commitment to his family, and in order to give himself the opportunity to pursue his love of education, Paul signed up with the OU to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree.
“Studying has definitely changed my life – more-so from the enjoyment I get. Not just because I was studying, or enjoying it, but also because I fell in love with Shakespeare. One of the things I get to do for myself on occasion is to go off to Stratford to watch a play. It has given me a wider horizon of things I enjoy.”
The flexible, accessible and robust nature of this learning has not only brought great joy to Paul’s life, but seen him gain new skills and knowledge, enabling him to explore the prospect of teaching English – a subject he has come to love.
“The OU has given me another string to my bow if I want to pursue a career in English teaching, I have the skills and the qualification to do so now. It also represents a vital stepping stone for me to pursue even further education, which is what I’m doing now.”
Paul takes a glass half full approach to his life at all times – throughout his study, when eldest son James was going through a period of waking for the day at an unsociable hour of 2am, he took it in his stride and used the opportunity to study and work on his OU modules. “I pursued my education because of my love of learning and also as something personal for me. It has been a real inspiration during the tough times.”
An avid fan of the benefits and importance of higher education, Paul says he couldn’t resist diving back into more study and has taken his excellent results from the OU and used them as a stepping stone to completing a Doctorate in Education at Glasgow University.
“I’ve always believed you don’t give up when it gets tough. When it comes to education, make the most of it because when it’s gone, you really miss it. My wife and I try to be a really strong team and we work together to create the best life for our children who we love unconditionally. I wouldn’t want to go through life with anyone else.”
For more information about The Open University and Life Changing Learning visit: www.openuniversity.co.uk/lcl
