Gary Steel

As a young carer with considerable responsibilities at home, Gary’s secondary education was cut short. Entering the job market at the age of 14, Gary never imagined a career in Law was within reach, until he discovered The Open University.

Unlocked potential

Gary always assumed that leaving school before he had the chance to gain qualifications would hold him back in life, despite knowing he had the ability to do more. A few years later, Gary attended a lecture with his partner who was studying Law at their local university.

“I understood everything the tutor was talking about, and I was hooked,” Gary remembers. “I wanted to learn more and see how far I could go – that’s when I discovered the OU.”

At 26, when Gary came to learn that higher education was a possibility for him, he was determined to make it work.

“Finding a university that saw my abilities rather than a lack of qualifications allowed me to believe in myself,” Gary shares. “I was the first person in my family to go to university but at the OU, I never felt judged. Even at the beginning when the quality of my writing wasn’t where it needed to be, the tutors gave me feedback and supported me to improve.”

Pulling through

Gary’s OU journey wasn’t always plain sailing – with imposter syndrome and a failed module to overcome, his resolve was tested.

I failed one module miserably and I felt like giving up, but when I have difficult decision to make, I always ask myself the same question – will this be something I’ll regret when I’m 40?”

Gary adds, “I knew that if I hadn’t carried on, I’d never forgive myself. The great thing about OU tutors is that they explain where you went wrong. They want you to succeed and encourage you to keep going.”

Overcoming challenges

Still caring full time for his mother, Gary found ways to carve out time for his studies wherever possible.

“It wasn’t easy. I could only study when my mum was sleeping or when a family member came to help out,” says Gary. “But I loved my subject. Despite having so much to juggle, working towards my degree was the best experience. It gave me something else to occupy my mind and allowed me to focus on myself.”

With a Bachelor of Laws and a Masters from Nottingham Trent University under his belt, Gary is now an experienced Social Welfare Lawyer. Based at Derbyshire Law Centre, Gary is proud to represent those who are unable to fund legal costs.

Keen to inspire others to unlock their potential, Gary shares his advice for anyone considering studying with the OU.

“If your education suffered because of your start in life, there are access courses you can take. Don’t be scared if you don’t have A levels or even GCSE’s, I didn’t,” explains Gary.

“Jump in with both feet. Don’t have any preconceptions or judgements. Choose a topic you’re interested in and remember the OU is flexible – if you don’t like the subject you’re studying, you can change it. Most of all have fun! Take it from me – when you graduate, you’ll miss it, I do every day.”

Reflecting on everything he’s achieved, Gary shares what his OU experience means to him.

“The OU not only boosted my career prospects, it made me more confident, articulate and allowed me to change my lifestyle,” says Gary. “I owe everything I’ve achieved in my career to the OU.”