Jessie Lindsay

Studying Environmental Studies with The Open University (OU) over the past decade has helped reinforce Jessie Lindsay’s commitment to using arts and culture to inspire and encourage collective ownership in addressing climate change.

Before studying with the OU in Scotland, Jessie says she felt like an “academic imposter”. 

She studied retail management at college, but graduated with student debt and felt stuck in a cycle of working in retail and hospitality jobs in her 20s. 

However, a desire to reconnect with nature ended up changing the course of her life.

While volunteering with the Marine Conservation Society to do beach cleans, Jessie realised that she wanted to study the environment and found this was possible due to the accessibility, flexibility and affordability of studying with the OU. 

Without my OU educational experience, I doubt I would have the confidence, or tenacity, to start my own business today.”

She initially chose to study for a Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Bachelor of Science (BSc) Open degree and later transferred to studying for a BA (Honours) in Environmental Studies.

She says: “Without the Part-Time Fee Grant from the Student Awards Agency Scotland and top-up funding from the OU, furthering my education would not have been possible coming from a low-income background. 

“Without my OU educational experience, I doubt I would have the confidence, or tenacity, to start my own business today.”

‘Care and understanding’

With no entry qualifications required for her OU course, Jessie found applying to the OU “inclusive and empowering”, while the flexibility offered meant she could work full-time and take her time completing her degree.

Jessie adds: “The biggest challenge was dealing with an unexpected redundancy following the closure of a charity I had been a part of. 

The OU student support team reassured me with great care and understanding.”

“The situation surrounding that closure was highly personal and led me to multiple burnouts and mental health challenges. 

“I was unable to complete the module that year and, with the support of the OU, I deferred.

“At the time, I felt stuck, pressured by the failure and inaction of how to cope. 

“The OU student support team reassured me with great care and understanding.

“It was not the only time I deferred, or had plans change meaning I could no longer attend the course. 

“Each time, the OU was active in arranging communications with the Student Awards Agency Scotland and my tutor.”

‘Inspired my work’

Over the course of studying in the last 10 years, Jessie has developed a freelance career combining her interest in arts, culture and climate action. 

This has included working with Edinburgh Science Festival; grassroots mental health and arts charity Spit it Out Festival; and more recently the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as Media and Marketing Artist Advisor.

The interactive nature of the course transports you to worlds beyond your own, making it an incredibly insightful, and global, learning experience.”

Talking about her OU studies, Jessie comments: “The interactive nature of the course transports you to worlds beyond your own, making it an incredibly insightful, and global, learning experience. 

“The many case studies we were able to explore – highlighting local issues around the world relating to politics, economy, culture, society and climate – cemented my commitment to environmental action.”

She adds: “My OU studies have shown me how my brain works. I am a big picture thinker with an abundance of ideas, creativity and commitment to change. 

“By selecting my pathway, I have stayed true to my genuine interests and passions, expanding my knowledge in line with my personal and professional development.”

Now aged 31 and living in Edinburgh, Jessie is working as a production manager for a multi-art community project led by a local musician and creative activist Bee Asha, which explores the histories of Leith, its business owners and artists in the face of gentrification.

She is also in the process of setting up a Community Interest Company in Social Climate Action, with the first planned project involving working with a community to gain shares in a neighbouring windfarm.

Looking to the future, Jessie says: “Long-term, I have ambitions to land somewhere in policy within a role that holds influence over our decision-makers, to recognise the rights of nature, from government to arts and business.  

“Throughout all endeavours, my purpose is to share knowledge and empowerment through bottom-up initiatives that provide a playground for active hope. 

“I recognise the climate emergency offers an opportunity to deliver policy futures that are adaptable to a changing world. To achieve this, I believe in bringing creativity to the forefront as a tool to reimagine fairer systemic change.”

For now, she concludes: “I’m looking forward to graduating this autumn and I am assured there will be 10 years’ worth of celebrations to match my achievements along this journey. I might even throw myself a graduation ball!”