This month, I became a student again.
It has been several decades since I last sat in a formal classroom, and returning to structured learning at this stage of my life feels exciting. I have come to realise that knowledge is one of the few things that truly stays with us. It brings clarity, confidence, and the freedom to keep growing, no matter where life takes us.
Many people know me through different chapters of my career. My journey has taken me through law enforcement, aviation, and the creative industry. Today, I am preparing for another new chapter as an international cabin crew member. Above all, however, I am a mother. That role grounds every decision I make and constantly reminds me that growth and learning matter not only for myself, but for the example I set for my children.
At this point in my life, returning to education is not about chasing titles or rushing towards outcomes. It is about alignment. After years in structured and high-pressure environments, I now see learning as a form of renewal. It allows me to reflect on my lived experiences and gain a deeper understanding of people, including myself.
This is what led me to enrol in the Diploma in Psychology through the APEL.A pathway, which recognises prior work and life experience.
Psychology resonates deeply with my desire to understand the emotional and psychological dimensions behind human behaviour. My experiences have shown me that behind every role, uniform, or responsibility is a human being carrying fears, hopes, and unspoken stories. Studying psychology equips me with the tools to explore these realities with greater awareness, empathy, and compassion.
Choosing OUM was a deliberate and thoughtful decision. As a working adult and a mother preparing for a major life transition, flexibility was very much needed. I needed a learning environment that could adapt to my life rather than compete with it. OUM’s fully online learning provides that balance, supporting adult learners who return to education not because they are starting over, but because they are choosing to grow with purpose.
I’m both excited and nervous about becoming a student again. But life has taught me that learning never truly stops, so I am ready to learn at my own pace.
If I had to describe this chapter of my life in one word, it would be “becoming”. It is not an endpoint, but a continuous unfolding – one choice, one lesson, and one step at a time, now with OUM a part of the journey.
