We've always been fine with this way of living, but now, my boys are growing (Freddie's at school now and Noah is 18 months) so I have a little more time on my hands in general. Although back in June/July I knew I wanted to prepare for the future, because naturally with a young family, your mind drifts onto what you hope will happen and what you'd like to achieve.. because the truth is we DO only get to have one life and whilst yes, I give the majority of my time, love and being to my lads, I want to achieve something for me too.
The Open University simply made sense to me because it's incredibly flexible whilst still offering loads of courses and options. It was perfect us, in our position. It was perfect for me. I could start learning and gaining qualifications whilst still being at home and being very involved in my little ones lives - because that will always be important to me.
So I signed up to do a Art and Languages Access Course because I love writing and reading - they're two of my favourite things to do yet I haven't been in a education setting for quite a few years, I felt it'd be more beneficial for me to scrub up on my skills so that I can go in at a degree level and know that I've set myself on a good platform to get started. I want to do well, but haven't really done work at that level so, I wanted to regain my confidence.
I've just completed my first week and I'm really enjoying it!
As the date crept up and the study materials came through the door, I did feel like 'yikes it's arrived!' because it had and it was scary going back to a place you've not been in a long time; yet it was oddly familiar.
So how am I dealing with it from a Deaf point of view?
Quite well. I was terrified to talk to my tutor because I had no clue as to how they would sound, accent wise. however I was relieved to find out it was a female tutor (I find females easier to understand sound wise - I struggle a little more with the lower ranges so male tend to be harder) but she was absolutely lovely! We ended up chatting on the phone for 30 minutes and despite actually having an ear infection, I could understand her quite well. I made a point of being in a quiet room (my mum came and sat with the boys for a while) so I could really concentrate if needed.
She told me about her being a Language Translator so naturally she spoke at a pace and volume that would appeal to most people (she was Italian too), it felt like a coincidence, yet somehow more like fate that this woman came and was exactly what I need. It was a comfortable conversation and she was very supportive once I told her I was Deaf, mentioning if I needed any help or needed to ask anything she would be there to make sure I understand; which I felt was lovely of her.
Back when I was signing up I did tell the staff that I had hearing issues and that I may need support regarding it (always best to let them know however little you think this could affect your learning) and they provided me with the right support - the only thing I could think was to need subtitles/transcripts for any DVD materials which they did and that's helped no end.
I'm currently in the process of completing my first assignment for the end of the month and doing lots of reading and activities that are in the text books - there's a lot to do but I'm enjoying having that time! I'm enjoying looking to the future because it'll all be worth it one day..
*I've included my Vlog from my own channel here, I haven't sorted it so it has captions but feel free to watch it anyway and subscribe for future ones*
