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Mature student looking forward to studying again!

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Edited by Gill Burrell, Wednesday 6 October 2021 at 11:41

I just wanted to be someone, more than somebody who wipes noses, mops up sick, supports someone to walk, talks to them,  cleans, cooks, does washing and takes someone to the loo. Not that there is anything wrong with this work. I still like it and respect this occupation of being a carer because it is a true vocation.  I have done this job for many years, but now  I wanted to do something else,  to add to my knowledge of what I 've already learned about life,  especially now in my later age of life and I feel the gentle hand of Jesus on my shoulder.

I thought that I am sure I could learn more about the world, and about other peoples, other cultures. I wanted to learn languages, politics, society. Literature, writing, Music, Arts and technology en route.
First, to learn about language to start with, to learn how to communicate better in my own language,  and in the French language. I just chose french language because I had holidays in France in the past, but it could quite easily have been Spanish, Italian or any other European language.

There is a world out there, not just my village, my town, or my country. I wanted to see the world and learn about it. I don't want to be a narrow minded, ignorant, proud or stupid person. Or those who think they know it all but actually they don't! Unfortunately I have met a few people like that in my time!
I had decided to study with the Open University as I had heard of its very good reputation, and how you can come from a humble background and still achieve a good Education.

I am willing to put in the time and effort it takes to study,  and  to (hopefully) eventually pass a degree. I think It is a lot about time management. Finding time to set aside for studying the chosen subject and to give my complete undivided attention to it,  for a set amount of time.

I am now on level 3 of my degree in languages, French and English.
I am enjoying my studies,  and learning lots of interesting things, and not just about language, for it encompasses other subjects too along the way, such as the environment, history, literature, art ,music and other subjects, these all seem to be connected.

 Interestingly some of these subjects all seem to link together in someways. It has become a great learning experience for me, and one that I would definitely recommend to others. The Open University has opened my eyes to see new perspectives on the world. Best wishes to all and good studying!

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Mike Beard

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Hi Gill

I know exactly how you feel, the wait between finishing 2 module and preparing to start the next gets tiresome and monotonous.

Had a situation at my mums house yesterday.  Me and my other half went there to feed the fish and check the rest of the house, while feeding the fish I noticed the tank was smelly so rang my sister about it, she suggested cleaninv thd filter which I did but upon returning to the tank and plugging it in, the damn thing wouldn't work.

I had to get my other half to come in and help me get the fish out of the tank into 2 bags with some of the tank water in to transport them to my sisters house where they now await their new home in the main tank she has ready for them.

Can I ask please, do you compose your own music aswell as what you play, I just thought I would ask as I thought it might give you something to try while you are waiting to start your next module.

I composed a piece once that was sent over to the USA for use on an album in a series of albums a record company in West Virginia was producing of songs about the railways with them being a big part of UK & USA history, unfortunately due to the lying chairman of the music club I was part of at the time, I never received a penny from it.

That was in 2005 but a few years ago I composed another using a soul drum rhythm on mums keyboard ( now mine ) and a chap who played guitar with us put somd lyrics to it and by eck it came out a gooden.

At this time it has nog been released on cd but if it ever does I will let you know if you want me to.

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Hi Mike,

Thank you for your comments they were very interesting!

It sounds like you had quite a dramatic time with the fish,  but everything came out ok at the end as they now await a new tank.

Unfortunately I don't compose music myself,  I am not clever enough for that!  but you sound very capable in writing music, well done! That's excellent!  I would be interested to know if your music comes out on CD. I hope you will get recognition this time around, please keep me posted ! 

I would like to join a choir or sing in a group, but I am waiting for the local theatre to open up again, to join in something there. They are closed for refurbishments at the moment.

Good luck with everything!

Gill