How distance learning helps Abbie's mental health

What I enjoy most about distance learning is that I am able to carry on studying something I enjoy whilst I can’t go to college. I really enjoyed the course and found the OSC team very supportive so I’m hoping to do another course soon. 

Abbie, 20, North Devon 

Abbie is well on her way to completing her first course with Open Study College having just submitted her final assignment for Zoology Level 3. Abbie is autistic and has been struggling with her mental health so she needed a more flexible education, and that’s when she discovered OSC. 

She said: “I had to drop out of college due to poor mental health, and needed something to study online whilst I was struggling. I was studying animal management at college, so when I became a student with Open Study College I chose something similar, a zoology course.  

“My autism causes me a lot of problems with my mental health and my local college couldn’t provide me with the extra support I need. This meant that I couldn’t carry on with my studies and this devastated me. I lost a lot of confidence and didn’t know what to do as I love studying.  

“Whilst recovering I decided I still wanted to study and because I couldn’t attend class in person the best way would be distance learning so when I saw that Open Study College offered a zoology course, that’s what I did. It gave me something to focus on whilst bringing something positive in. Learning with OSC has helped me feel more confident and has kept me studying when I thought I wouldn’t be able to. 

“Some of my greatest passions are art and animals. I love learning about the subjects I’m interested in so naturally they tend to merge, for example I love animal management and zoology, and as I’m artistic too I enjoy drawing animals, particularly horses.” 

Abbie describes some of her plans for the future and also what she’s found challenging about distance learning thus far: 

“Whilst some of the learning activities and assignments can be challenging, I feel like they help me to strive for more on days I feel up to it. What I enjoy most about distance learning is that I am able to carry on studying something I enjoy whilst I can’t go to college. At home everything is quiet so I can go at my own pace in a familiar environment. I really enjoyed the course and found the OSC team very supportive so I’m hoping to do another course soon. 

“If you’re interested in distance learning and completing a course online I recommend that you go at your own pace and enjoy it!” 

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Open Study College (OSC) have been leading the way in distance learning since 2007. Our team comprises of expert tutors, knowledgeable student advisers and a friendly student support team. Between us we have decades upon decades of experience in education and remote learning. Our blog is designed to help and guide you along the right path for you, by providing information, helpful tips and inspirational student success stories.

How distance learning helps Abbie’s mental health