Jill
The Porter
"It’s made me more rounded, a more complete person, it’s allowed me to take on new challenges; it’s changed the way I look at people." - Paul
Jill is a part-time secretary who’s studying for a Social Science degree. She’s brushing up her learning skills to get the most from her return to study.
"It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done. When you get to your 50s there’s a tendency to think that it’s all downhill from now on and to actually find my brain stretched has been absolutely terrific."
Interview
Jill explains the difference studying has made to her life.
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I'm really enjoying being a student. At this stage of my life it’s quite amusing to think of myself as a student but it’s been an opportunity just to extend my range of opinions, to find my brain stretched all the time; a challenge to life.
I’ve learned that I’m capable of listening to different opinions, finding out where that person’s coming from and just being able to understand why they think that way, why they behave in that way. Because I’m doing Social Science I learn a great deal more about different social groups and the sorts of lives that they lead, the sort of backgrounds that they come from, and have a better understanding of why they behave in the way that they do.
Biography
Jill is married with two grown-up sons, one of whom still lives at home. Her return to study came late on in her career.
"I did A-levels in French, German and History, decided not to go to university because the only thing I was interested in was foreign languages and all the courses available then were very dull and not geared towards careers at all.
I worked as a bi-lingual secretary in London until I had my children. Since then I've done a variety of (mostly part-time) secretarial jobs.
I sing in a choir and enjoy reading, cooking, walking and gardening. My pet hates are driving and housework.
I'd always had a yen to do a bit more studying but wasn't sure if I could find the time or the commitment. Then when our sons were applying for university I looked at all the prospectuses and realised how much courses have changed in 30 years - and started to think seriously about the OU.
I think I've left it too late to start a new career so getting my degree will just be a matter of personal satisfaction. But it's already made a big difference to my life. I have a much broader range of interests, more confidence and can take part in all sorts of conversations now that I would have stayed out of once."
