From Rural Fermanagh to Net Zero Leader: How one Student Overcame Dyslexia and Illness to Achieve a Master’s

Growing up in rural Fermanagh, Supriya Foster always had a strong connection to the natural environment around her. But like many people living outside major towns and cities, the idea of higher education once felt out of reach – financially, geographically and personally.   

“I achieved strong GCSE results, including Double Award Science and Mathematics, but I didn’t perform as well as I hoped in my A Levels, which left me questioning whether higher education was really possible for me,” Supriya explains. “Traditional university routes felt out of reach at the time, both financially and logistically.” 

That trajectory changed when she discovered The Open University, an institution designed around flexibility, accessibility and support. 

After researching  online learning, Supriya applied – encouraged by scholarship opportunities that made study affordable. That support proved transformative, enabling her to begin her undergraduate degree before progressing to an MSc in Environmental Management, which she completed in October.  

For Supriya, the decision to study was about more than qualifications, it was about redefining her own expectations. 

“I wanted to move into a career in sustainability, which I am very passionate about. At the same time, I wanted to prove to myself that being dyslexic should not be a barrier to higher education. The Open University gave me the support and flexibility I needed to succeed.” 

Her journey not without challenges. Balancing full-time work with study, Supriya faced significant health issues that at one stage threatened to derail her progress. With support from student services, she took a year’s deferral to recover – an option that proved critical in allowing her to continue. 

She later returned to complete her Master’s while recovering from sepsis, an achievement she describes as her proudest to date.  

“It proved to me that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges,” she said. 

Throughout her studies, Supriya also experienced major life events, including job changes and personal loss. Yet the flexibility of online supported learning allowed her to continue progressing, often studying in the evenings, early mornings and weekends. 

Today, Supriya is making a tangible impact as Sustainability Officer at South West College, where she leads on climate action, Net Zero initiatives and environmental projects. Her academic journey has directly supported her career progression, equipping her with the expertise to contribute to regional sustainability programmes and influence change.  

Colleagues at the college, recognise the value of her achievement, describing her studies as an asset that brings credibility and fresh insight to her role. 

Looking ahead, Supriya has ambitions to take on leadership roles in sustainability, influencing policy and supporting communities to transition to a low carbon future.  

“The Open University has changed how I see myself,” she says. “It gave me confidence in my academic ability and showed me that being dyslexic does not have to limit my opportunities. Instead of doubting whether higher education was possible, I now know I can achieve at the highest level.” 

Her message to others considering study is clear: 

“Absolutely give it a go. If you’re on the fence, my advice is to take that first step. You might surprise yourself with how far you can go.”