Dr. Anni Donaldson shared her remarkable journey that began with the Open University (OU) in Scotland in the 1970s. After dropping out of university as a teen, Dr. Donaldson found the courage to pursue a new career path through the OU.
Initially, she enrolled in a pre-school course to benefit her daughter but soon discovered the opportunity to continue her university education through the OU’s degree programs. This decision changed her life, instilling confidence and reshaping her career aspirations.
Despite facing resistance from her controlling husband, Dr. Donaldson saw her studies as a path to financial independence for herself and her daughter. With the guidance of her tutor, she transferred her OU credits to another university and completed an undergraduate history degree.
Inspired by her experience with the OU, she pursued postgraduate studies in IT and later a Masters in Adult and Continuing Education. This led her to work in the field of open and distance learning, eventually returning to the OU as an Associate Lecturer.
Throughout her career as a teacher and feminist academic, Dr. Donaldson focused on preventing gender-based violence in Scottish universities. Her journey continued with a PhD at the age of 65, marking a new phase of life in retirement as a GBV consultant, feminist historian, and freelance writer.
Reflecting on her transformative experience, Dr. Donaldson credits the OU for restarting her education and creating new pathways in her working life. She emphasizes the importance of accessible learning opportunities for women and encourages the OU to uphold its founding principles of inclusivity.
Dr. Donaldson’s daughter, Emily, also benefited from the OU’s impact, gaining confidence and pursuing higher education after feeling inadequate following school. Her studies in psychology paved the way for an Integration Psychotherapy diploma, showcasing the profound impact of the OU on multiple generations within a family.
The stories of Dr. Anni Donaldson and her daughter highlight the transformative power of education and the role of institutions like the OU in opening doors to new opportunities. Their experiences serve as a testament to the lifelong impact of accessible and inclusive learning environments.
