Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Stacey Kearney’s Story

For Stacey Kearney, 34, from Ballymoney, becoming a mother was a life-changing moment in more ways than one. It was during this transformative period that she found the opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: a career in law. Thanks to her determination and the flexibility of The Open University (OU), that dream is now within reach. 

Stacey’s path to higher education was far from conventional. Leaving formal education in 2009 with a BTEC National Diploma in performing arts, she never considered herself an academic. “I left school at 16 with no GCSEs,” she recalls. “I had always dreamed of a career in law, but never thought I was capable.” 

In early 2018, Stacey gave birth to her daughter and was unable to return to work due to medical reasons. What seemed like a setback quickly became an opportunity. “I figured I might as well use the time recovering at home as fully as possible, and so enrolled in the OU later that year,” she explains. The flexibility of the OU allowed her to balance her studies with her responsibilities as a mother. “I chose OU mainly because of the flexibility: I had a young child at the time and had to make sure my study could fit around my busy home life.” 

Like many mature students, Stacey faced doubts. “Early on, I had severe imposter syndrome, and that nagging voice telling me I wasn’t cut out for it and should give up,” she admits.  However, with the support of OU tutors and her own perseverance, she pushed forward. “Thanks to the excellent OU tutors, I found it to be so fulfilling.” 

Her dedication paid off, and she completed her LLB Hons Law degree—giving birth to her son in the final month of her studies in 2022. “I had been away from study for nine years before joining OU. It was very scary at first, but once I got going, I found it so rewarding.” 

Now working as a receptionist and secretary, Stacey credits her OU degree with opening new career opportunities. “I wouldn’t have been able to secure my current job without it,” she says. “I’m much more confident and outgoing. It has changed me in a professional sense, and I now look forward to pursuing a career in law.” 

Beyond career growth, Stacey has also experienced profound personal development. “The main personal barrier I overcame was my extreme shyness. Before studying, I was always a nervous, self-conscious person who doubted herself. Completing my studies gave me a massive boost in self-confidence and helped bring me out of my shell.” 

Her academic journey didn’t stop there.  “I’m about to graduate from a Masters in Business Management in June and hopefully going to do my PhD – and none of that would have been possible without the OU support to give me the confidence to go back into academia again.” 

Her story is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of mothers who balance family life with personal ambition. She encourages others to take the leap: “Just go for it! You’re never too old, nor been away from education too long. You will never regret giving it a go.” 

Reflecting on her journey, Stacey shares, “The overriding sense of accomplishment—to achieve something you once thought was impossible—is a very special feeling.” 

With her new qualifications and a newfound confidence, Stacey Kearney is proving that with the right support and determination, motherhood can be the catalyst for achieving lifelong dreams.