Ah, I've only just come across this thread - thank you so so much to everyone for your warm wishes. It was most definitely a very special day graduating.
Whitebeam :- I undertook a degree in Early Childhood Studies - and as I have been shouting from the rooftops ever since - I actually managed to graduate with a FIRST class honours!!!
Lovid:- Nope, no open uni for me - I enrolled at the University of Gloucestershire and undertook a full-time 3 year degree to gain my degree.
As Ashley has mentioned, life for me was pretty tough going. Yes, I work full-time as a manager of an early years setting; yes, I have 3 young children (although they are not so young anymore) - but by far the worst aspect was an OCD relapse just over 12 months ago. Having been OCD for quite a few years, it came as a bit of a shock when it struck again. I have always been aware that OCD can attempt to grip you at any point, but I have always been able to identify possible OCD thoughts and stop them in their tracks. Unfortunately, just over 12 months ago I was burgled - and OCD managed to grab hold of it and run away. I began suffering with intrusive thoughts about the burglars returning, and these thoughts became more and more intrusive as time passed. Horrible images of what the burglars may do if they gained access to my property. Although I knew it was OCD, I just couldn't resist the urges to complete compulsions 'to keep my family safe'. Checking, ruminations, magical thinking - all continued to feed into the OCD and I just seemed unable to put all the techniques I had learnt in previous years into practice. I did seek medical intervention, and have recently completed a course of CBT through my local IAPT. I can't say I have recovered completely, but I am gradually managing to gain more control over it as each day passes.
So, as Ashley says, I do hope that I can provide some hope, that despite OCD (or, in spite of it!!), you can continue with your dreams - you can achieve your goals - you can do anything if you want to
For me, my educational journey isn't over!!! Having achieved my degree, I decided I wanted to further my career - so I applied to undertake a Primary PGCE - and yesterday, I was offered a place at the Uni of my choice and for the subject of my choosing following an interview only last week Next September, I will be a Uni student again - however, I will be giving up my full time employment to undertake this one
Kylie
xxxx