I may have to reduce my blogging frequency slightly for a while as I have just started the first course of my BSc in Environmental Science. I am studying with the Open University, which is a fabulous way of learning whilst working and still being there for my children.
I have surprised myself at how differently I feel about study and self-improvement from when I started my first course of higher education back in 1984.
1984 – what a year! - a time of great music, bad fashion, back-combed hair and way too much make-up. In October 1984 an 18-year old CambridgeLady (well Stockport-lass) headed away from home for the very first time to live in Halls of Residence (Hope Hall) at the University of Exeter in England’s very beautiful southwest.
Being able to go to University in the 1980s was a pretty special and privileged position to be in. I recall around one in ten school-leavers made it to University in those days (I think it’s closer to 50% now??). The entry requirements for the best institutions were very tough. I was fairly unusual at Exeter in having come from a state comprehensive school (USA = public school) and not having even dreamt of applying to Oxford or Cambridge Universities. The joke in those days was that the majority of Exeter students were Oxbridge rejects from some of the best known and most expensive private schools. I worked very hard at school (girly swot), gained excellent ‘A’ Levels, and, to be perfectly honest, after weeks of intense revision and too many weekends spent staying in, I was so ready to have a bit of a break and a social life!
It was a pretty golden age to be a student in the UK. You didn’t pay any fees and there were grants available for living expenses if your parents couldn’t support you. Part-time jobs were thin on the ground – that recession! – but somehow we always had just enough cash to get by. So, unencumbered by the thought of masses of debt on graduation and knowing that an average degree would guarantee me a well-paid job, I did what many did – worked just hard enough and thoroughly enjoyed making friends, going to concerts, films and plays, joining clubs and societies and mastering the art of the “pub crawl”.
I graduated with a second class honours BA in Geography and Statistics, never had any problems finding employment, travelled, met my wonderful husband, started a family. Life’s been good. But I’ve always had a lingering feeling that I never made the most of the educational opportunities available to me back then. University was probably just too good for my immature eighteen-year old self.
Now I am enthusiastic and excited about my course. I couldn’t wait to receive my books and reading list and login to the OU’s online system. I have probably made more contact with my tutor in the past couple of weeks than I did in a term at Exeter! I sometimes resent not having enough time to read and study.
Is it because I am paying for my course? Does that make me value education more? I suspect if fees had been payable back in 1984 I would not have gone to University, at least not straight away. I might have started work at eighteen and settled for a totally different life or I could have re-discovered higher education in later life, as I am doing anyway. Who knows? I don’t believe an inability to pay should prevent anyone from studying if they have the aptitude and desire. The old system meant that a teenager from a very average background could access a world class education because she had studied hard at school. (What she did with that opportunity was up to her!!) Besides which, when a degree should give you a real chance of landing a high-income job, you will end up paying more in taxes! Nothing comes totally for free.
I’m really glad I did go to Exeter University. I matured into adulthood (well almost!) in a safe and friendly environment, had some incredible experiences, made some wonderful friends for life, lived in a brilliant corner of the country and did progress academically – honest! My Exeter experience has played a major part in making me what I am today.
What do you think? Is University wasted on teenagers? Should it be free? Would more students benefit from a “Gap” year, travelling or working for charity before starting higher education? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Must go and study now! :o)
This was one of our Halloween pumpkins that I left out in the utility room and forgot about. Just a few days later some horrible hairy mould had started to grow in its eyes and mouth. I had to take a photo – bound to find a use for it some day!! ;)
I think you’ll all agree that, with the answer “maybe it is one of those small pumpkins that have gone really bad” the award goes to Cinner at Me, My Four Chins and I.
Congratulations Cinner. Here’s your award …….
I think I have a good photo for the next competition which I’ll probably post next weekend.
Thank you everyone who took part and visited Just Waffling…. this weekend :o)
I am very honoured, surprised and grateful to receive the following awards from fellow bloggers.
They are ………. drum roll ……….
The “Circle of Friends Award” from The Mommy Machine
The “Ten Things That Make Me Happy Award” from Me, My Four Chins And I
and
“The Big Teeth Award” from Big Teeth & Clouds
Thank you all so much. I am aware that for a couple of these awards I need to compile some lists and pass them on. I will do that …… I promise. I just wanted to take the opportunity right now to express my heartfelt thanks and recommend that all my readers go and check out the links to these great blogs.
Hope you are all having a really good day :o)
