From Bangkok to Croke Park: Anna Redefines Life with Open University Degree

At 59, Anna from Kerry is set to graduate on 18th October at Croke Park, Dublin with a BA (Hons) in Criminology and Psychology from The Open University. Life has been a whirlwind of travel, work and personal growth.  Born in Kerry and now splitting her time between Ireland, the UK and Thailand, her story is testament to determination, adaptability, and a passion for lifelong learning. 

“I left school and did a diploma in Finance and Marketing through night classes and then I went to the UK, like many people in the 80s, to get work,” she recalls.  Years later, a role as a child safeguarding liaison as part of her duties at an international school board in Bangkok rekindled her love for learning. “I wasn’t motivated to study until I took safeguarding courses in Hong Kong,” she explains.  “That, together with the impending departure of my son to university sparked something in me, and I knew I wanted to pursue further education.” 

Anna discovered the OU while looking for a flexible way to balance her studies with her lifestyle. Living between Southeast Asia, Ireland and the UK, she needed a course that fitted her schedule. “I loved the idea of flexibility...I could attend lectures in different places. I didn’t need to be tied to 9:00 to 4:00. If I could drop in and out, that would be perfect for me.” 

“I had to be really disciplined. Every five or six weeks I’m travelling. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that to anybody,” she says. Despite the obstacles, Anna pushed through and completed her degree in six years with the invaluable encouragement of her husband, son and daughter. 

Support from tutors played a crucial role in her success. “One tutor in particular was absolutely brilliant. He was very insightful and knew when to give me a little nudge. He was exceptional.” He, along with other tutors, challenged her thinking, especially in her final End of Module Assessment (EMA), which became one of the highlights of her studies. “In my final paper, I got 89%. It was a critical analysis of tourism and its relationship to crime, power, and the state. My insight into how the world works is very different now.” 

Looking forward, Anna plans to take a year off and then pursue a masters degree. She’s also eyeing the possibility of returning to Ireland and getting involved in community work, possibly as a victim’s advocate. “I’ve always done voluntary work, but now I want to do something more,” she said.  “I couldn't recommend The Open University more highly, it was a godsend.” 

For those considering studying with the OU, Anna’s advice is clear: “Do it. I’d still be six years on without my degree if I hadn’t done it.”