Charlotte Lopez

When Charlotte, aged 28, from Aberdeen, was looking to embark on a degree to unlock future career options, she searched for a solution that would fit around her work as a professional dancer.

Now a proud Bachelor of Science (Honours) Open Degree graduate with The Open University (OU), Charlotte has already taken the next step with her studies and is about to start a Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology.

The aspiring psychotherapist and third-generation OU student shares how the flexibility of supported distance learning has made achieving her dreams possible. Charlotte explains: 

“After I left school, I trained to be a dancer for three years and gained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Professional Stage Dance. 

“I then secured a role as a dancer on a cruise ship. It was an exciting and adventurous job that took me all over the world, but I wanted to guarantee my future in the industry beyond working in entertainment. 

“With my background as a professional dancer, I started working as a teacher and studio manager local to where I live.

“Interacting with students taught me the importance of understanding our mind. To be a great dancer, you need to expose your deepest emotions and why we do what we do. This became the driving force behind me exploring the subject of psychology and wanting to further my learning in this area.”

It’s in the genes

The Open University was the right option for Charlotte, as she wanted to continue working alongside her studies. OU study has also been a big part of her family life, with her grandma, grandad and mum all having gained degrees through the OU.

“My mum, grandma and grandad are all OU alumni. My grandma was creative like me and got an arts degree – I love that I’ve inherited this side from her. 

“But it’s my mum that has really inspired me. After a career in education, she went on to achieve a Masters degree whilst juggling a busy life at home and work. 

“I knew The Open University was the only option for me. I was able to do a credit transfer with my HND, as well as continue working in a job that I love. 

“The flexibility of my degree has also meant that I can pick up the occasional professional dancing job, as I can take my studies with me, even if I need to travel abroad.

"I completed the first few weeks of my course in the middle of the ocean whilst dancing on a cruise ship!”

Expanding her options

With the OU by her side, Charlotte has an exciting future ahead of her and is well on the way to creating the career that she wants. 

“Now, with my degree under my belt, I’m excited to begin my Masters and get another step closer to my goal of becoming a movement psychotherapist.

“This is a role that uses dance to help people explore their feelings and emotions. I’d love to work with athletes, as well as professional dancers to help them overcome barriers.

“Although my studies have required lots of self-discipline and, at times, they’ve been a juggle around crazy work hours, I’ve really enjoyed having something else to shift my mental focus to.

“Choosing to study with the OU has allowed me to broaden my career trajectory and build my own path.”

Success is possible

The OU's made me believe in myself and my academic abilities.”

As an OU graduate, Charlotte has some advice for current students who are still studying. 

“I'm so pleased I made the decision to study with The Open University. For any students that are just about to start their studies, I’d recommend that you get organised – plot your deadlines in your diary and allow yourself time to think about assignments. It'll be your key to success. 

“But sometimes you just have to accept that rest will come later. A late night of essay writing is worth it once you reach your deadline and achieve that sense of accomplishment. 

“But more importantly, take the leap and DO IT! It’s changed my professional life and made me believe in myself and my academic abilities.”