I’ve turned my life around – now I’m helping others

Clara Collins, 21, is proof that it’s never too late to turn things around. After experiencing a disrupted education and spending time in care, Clara is now studying Law with The Open University Law School and determined to use her skills to advocate for others.

She shares how she now has the right support to change life for her and her young son – and to make a positive difference to future generations.

I feel like I've gone through quite a journey in my life. I’ve had ups and downs and needed quite a lot of support. I think about my son a lot and I think about him growing up and I would really hate for him to face the life hurdles that I had. I think that is one of my biggest aspirations, to be able to try and make a difference and try and help the new generations that are going to be entering this world

Clara Collins

Clara is due to complete her OU Law degree in 2022 and already has her sights set on a career of supporting others.

I am hoping that all my training from my degree and from the Citizens Advice will empower me so that I can help others. I believe we all deserve the chance to become educated and to know our legal rights. My aspirations are to become a lawyer and a teacher in the future. I will try and give young people mental and emotional support and help them as much as I can with their education. Regardless of any inequalities including age, race, gender or disability there is always a way to pursue your goals. I found that with The Open University.

Clara Collins

Read Clara’s full story and find out more about our Law students.