Open University in the West Midlands Inspirational Learner Award Winner
Sharon Freeman, Alcester, Warwickshire
Nominated by: Jane Eling, Warwickshire County Council Publicity contact: Tom Bonner, Marketing Manager – The Open University East and West Midlands (
www.opennearyou.co.uk)
Tel: 0115 971 5579/07973 388692 Email:
t.bonner@
open.ac.uk
Sharon has always seen the value of learning and started her OU studies while spending time in hospital with her premature son.
“Much of my studying was done by lamplight on a hospital ward,” she said. She achieved qualifications in Social Care while working part-time as a care assistant.
Her OU study helped her get an initial four-month contract as a Community Care Worker. In 2009, Warwickshire County Council agreed to sponsor her to train as a social worker.
In the past ten years, she has supported both her parents through serious illness and supported her father after the recent death of her mother,
along with coping with staying in hospital with her son who required major surgery. “At least I could get ahead with my course reading”, she said.
Sharon shares the qualities that all Open University students have in common – determination and commitment – but is modest regarding her achievements.
Sharon has studied alongside her children and has lead by example, perhaps best summed up by her son who said, “It’s nice to have a clever mum.”
(Photo of Sharon being presented with her award with the following caption -
Sharon being presented with her award by Rhiannon Martyn, Assistant Director, OU)
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