Choosing an Open University course

I have received an email telling me that I am officially registered to start the OU course Creative Writing (A215) in September. I am very excited about this and I'm trying to prepare as much as possible. At the same time, now that I'm all set to start another module, I'm thinking about what I'll study after that. 

Open University courses come in three levels; 1, 2 & 3. My plan is to take two courses of each level, which will give me a Degree with Honours and a few other qualifications along the way. So far, I have completed two level 1 courses and I am taking my first level 2 course next. I have already planned that after Creative Writing (A215), I'll be taking Advanced Creative Writing (A363), which is a level 3 course. I still need to decide on another level 2 course and another level 3 course. 

I had originally been planning to take a course in child development at level 2 and a course in children's literature at level 3 but I've changed my mind on these now. I want to take more courses suited to my goal of writing fiction. With this in mind, I am now considering taking Reading and Studying Literature (A230) and then 20th Century Literature: Texts and Debates (A300). 

I am starting to regret my first course, which was K101 (An Introduction to Health and Social Care). I took this with the idea that I wanted to work with children. As time has gone by, I've entirely changed my mind on this idea. I've realised that I only wanted to work with children because I'm  good with children, not because working with children is really an ambition of mine. I decided that I might as well go for my actual ambition, becoming a writer.

I believe that life is just too short to go for an easy option or not bothering with a dream because it seems unattainable. Yes it may be unlikely to happen but, as long you aren't sacrificing too much, why not try? It isn't as if I'm going to refuse any job other than a writing job. I know that bills need to be paid and I won't have my daughter going without because of my ambitions. That would be unfair. I am being practical and realistic about this. I don't imagine that I'm going to write a best seller and earn millions (as nice as that would be!) but having something I've written published would be fantastic. 

Nearing the end...

I suppose the title of this post could be seen as slightly more morbid than intended. To clarify, I am nearing the end of my second Open University course, AA100 (The Arts: Past and Present). It's quite exciting to think that once I've completed the final assessment, I'll be a third of the way through my degree. 

This course has been very interesting in places but not really my cup of tea in others. I very much enjoyed looking at historical texts and learning about philosophy. I did not enjoy analysing art. Don't mistake me, I like looking at art. I enjoy thinking about, and perhaps discussing, what the artist was thinking or what message they might be trying to convey. But analysing art in an academic sense simply bores me. University essay questions don't seem to ask how a painting made you feel and, for me, that's entirely the point of art. 

For my End of Module Assessment, I have chosen to answer a question about pilgrimage and sacred places. It will involve looking at Stonehenge and Glastonbury, two places that have always fascinated me. I may not be a pagan or believe in ley lines but I can appreciate the mysterious wonder of Stonehenge and the cultural and historical significance of Glastonbury. 

Once this course is over, I have a few months free of studying before my next course, Creative Writing (A215), begins. I plan to read as many novels as possible over the summer to get some inspiration for my own work. I have already been asking around for recommendations as I don't want to just read something that I would usually pick up off the shelf. I really want to expand my tastes to give me a wider view of fiction. 

Studying with the Open University is proving to be a great experience. It's keeping my mind active while I'm at home with the Little Monster and forcing me to do something that does not involve childcare and housework. It gives such a good sense of achievement when essays come back with good marks. It really is something I would recommend to anyone who wants to extend their education, whether it be for a career or merely for one's own sense of fulfilment.  

Trying to Find the Words...

Being a part time student can sometimes be tricky when you've also got a two year old who craves constant attention except at times when she wants some privacy to make mischief. I can occasionally read a few pages of material if she's sitting quietly with a book/biscuit/toy/expensive electronic device that she shouldn't really be touching. But all of my essays are written late in the evening after the bedtime routine is over and the washing up and other chores have been done. 

At present, I have an essay about Catholic tradition in England to complete by Friday. I've written 900 words out of 1200, which sounds pretty good. The problem is that I've actually nothing left to write. I've written about everything in my essay plan. I have no new point to make. I feel I've answered the question pretty fully. So at this point, I have to start "padding", meaning sticking words in wherever I can, lengthening perfectly good sentences just to reach the right word count. I always find this very frustrating, especially when I'm quite pleased with the essay as it is. I don't want to change it  but I have to. Surely, as my other half pointed out when I was having a lovely big rant on the subject last night, I should be congratulated for making my argument succinctly? Apparently, the Open University disagrees. I can be 5% off the word count so I need another 240 words at the very least. That'll make for a fabulous waste of my evening later. 

Anyway, rant over on that subject. I have seriously failed on my diet. Its really my husband's fault but I can't bring myself to feel badly towards him for it. A few nights ago, he offered to buy me ice cream. I did choose frozen yoghurt rather than ice cream but still, I finished the whole tub within three evenings. Not very good. Then I woke up this morning to find that my dear other half was entirely missing from our flat. I texted him and the reply quickly came to say that he was bringing in breakfast. I knew exactly what that breakfast would be without him saying anything more. One egg and sausage McMuffin meal later, I'm feeling a bit guilty. Luckily, me and the little monster have very healthy filled wholegrain pitta breads for lunch. In fact, I shall end this post now and make lunch as just remembering that frozen yoghurt is making me hungry...