I’ve been contemplating writing something on here for a while…
‘I’ll wait until I’ve finished my English Literature module before I write something for Substack.’ That’s one excuse — I could tell you many more.
The end of my module creeps closer and I realise this excuse won’t last much longer. So rather than wait until the end of May, today, I decided to open a blank Word document and get typing. Like other fellow Substackers, I’ve felt unsure of myself at times and apprehensive about publishing online. However, I’m doing my best to push the negative thoughts aside and just publish! The longer I have been putting it off, the more difficult I was making it for myself. Almost like finding the time and making the effort to meet up with an old friend after years of disconnect. It’s difficult to know where to begin as so much has been happening. But usually, when you begin to start talking again, you can’t stop. Therefore, I thought, I’ll keep this one reasonably short, just to break the ice — so to speak.
The English Literature module I have been studying through the Open University has been overwhelming at times, struggling with illness and perimenopausal symptoms leading up to and over Christmas I was convinced that I would need to defer the module and take a break until next year. But by doing little bits at a time, going back and forth to studying then resting, I managed to get essays submitted on time. I now have one more essay left to do by the 30th of May then I will have completed level 2 and in October I’ll begin a level 3 module in Advanced Creative Writing. Even though it has been tough, I’ve really enjoyed the course and I’ve learned so much. It has taken me into a world of reading that I would not have experienced otherwise. I have enjoyed (and other times trudged through) novels such as Far from the madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, Custom of the Country by Edith Warton, Hotel World and Girl meets Boy by Ali Smith. It has been eye opening exploring a variety of themes such as grief, the representation of women and gender roles. At the moment I am studying Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess.
When I began studying, I was asked ‘what do you plan to do at the end? And heard comments such as ‘six years to complete the course, that’s a long time…’ I wasn’t sure how to reply, realising now, that I struggle to plan what I want to do over the next few weeks never mind planning what I want to do in six years. But I’ve kept moving forward, at a slow pace, and here I am, finishing up my fourth year.
Through the Open University I have connected with a variety of groups and individuals, all studying for different reasons and at all different ages. I am in awe of the students studying with young children and newborn babies and hear others managing the workload around hectic full-time jobs or others that endeavour through chronic illness. There are students in their seventies and eighties — a reminder that you are never too old to learn.
Now the ice is broken, I intend to be contributing on here as regularly as I can.
Great to have you back Laura xxxx
Well done on all levels Laura! 👏 I did this level 2 Lit module before the level 2 creative writing, so I’m a year behind you. And, I get that question all the time too .. “how long?”
People just assume that it’s over 3 years I guess.
I’m so pleased I’ve done it this way as it is very overwhelming at times and this way allows me to put the effort in that feel I need to give. Good luck next year - you’ve moved mountains already 👏