My son and I did our homework together
RACHAEL Singleton works as a policy adviser and fashion model, but still finds time to study.
The 39-year-old from Belfast began postgraduate studies in 2013 with the Open University (OU) and graduated in May with an MA in English. She completed her assignments while working for the Northern Ireland government, drafting environmental legislation and formulating policies.
The single mother also works as a model, doing catwalk shows, TV commercials and film work. She has a ten-year-old son, Sam.
Rachael, who gained a 2.1 in psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, says: ‘I last studied English literature for A-level and, although I’d loved it, decided against pursuing it for my undergraduate degree. I initially studied law, then transferred to law with French, before ending up in psychology.
‘Looking back, my indecision reflected the fact that I really didn’t know what I wanted to do.
‘I don’t think at the age of 18 I was sufficiently self- aware to make life-long career-impacting decisions. If it hadn’t been for the OU, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to return to studying my first love, literature.’
Rachael had been trying to find a university that offered an English MA course accessible outside typical 9-5 hours when she discovered details about the OU online.
She says: ‘I found the thought of going back to studying increasingly challenging as I approached my start date, but within the first month, I found myself remembering my love for learning and, as a result, I felt very energised and excited.
‘I cannot overstate how positive my experience of the OU tutors has been. I left every tutorial genuinely delighted to have been in attendance. To have had the opportunity to speak about literature with people who share my interest and enthusiasm was an incredibly fulfilling experience.’
Her son proved highly supportive — completing his homework alongside her as she worked on MA assignments.
Rachael says: ‘I believe that my experience has had a positive impact not just on me, but on Sam, for he has seen my investment, he has seen what was at times a struggle and he has seen me attain completion of my course, with the huge sense of relief, joy and pride that this brings.
‘Achieving my MA is hugely rewarding, but I can honestly say that my ability simultaneously to manage and contend with numerous personal challenges I faced on the journey towards that result, and the strength of character I now identify in myself, are what I take pride in.
‘My MA recognises my resilience, dedication and determination.’