Flexible learning gives Alexandria mum a very bright future

Jun 26 2009 by Lorraine Waddell, Lennox Herald (main ed)

AN Alexandria mum gave up her degree course when she was expecting her first baby but still managed to work towards her dream job – thanks to the Open University.

Diane Stewart, 33, from the town, now has two children, an honours degree and a job she loves.

When she started a teaching degree at Strathclyde University’s Jordanhill campus, Diane was in the early stages of pregnancy with her daughter Melissa, who is now 10.

Diane said: “I started in 1998 doing a Bachelor of Education at Jordanhill. I fell pregnant and I was really sick through the pregnancy so I deferred for a year and decided not to carry on with it.

“I thought I would try the Open University.

“It is flexible in that you can study from home but you still have rigid deadlines which you have to meet, so in that way it is the same as going to a college or university.”

Diane is now working as a learning assistant with West Dunbartonshire Council, a job which she got thanks to her BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies and a Certificate in Supporting Children’s Learning in Primary Schools.

This is a job which suits the needs of her children, although the ambitious mum is also fitting in study for an advanced diploma in equality and diversity, also with the Open University.

This is something she hopes will further her career in education.