Sam Evans
“I am currently a final-year Physics student with the Open University. It is my aspiration to become a Medical Physicist, after growing up with a Mum in the medical field & completing several placements including nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.
In school I was always interested in science but I left school and didn’t feel ready to go to university. I had issues with anxiety and wanted to get a job and do some travelling with friends and family before continuing my studies. As time went by, I became a manager and reached a point where I was confident in my job and could take on more. I decided to join the Open Uni to do the degree in Physics I always should have done.
I chose the OU because I always struggled with traditional schooling methods. I found listening to lectures almost impossible, was too distracted by multiple hobbies and ideas and was never able to concentrate on command. Choosing online and distant study was the best decision I made. Not only could I do work on my own terms and at my own pace but through a DSA that supports students, I was able to gain access to mental health support.
Through this I was awarded specialist mentor hours and study skills support. Both of these have given me exactly the help I needed to be the best student I can be and through talking to professionals I discovered I have dyspraxia and am currently undergoing an ADHD diagnosis. To know there was a name for everything I struggled with and the reasons behind a large amount of my anxiety has really helped. Not only have I been given specialist support but I have a come a long way in understanding who I am both as a person and how I learn best.
In the past few years I have completed modules at the University of Cambridge, reached the final year of my degree, done an Astrophysics coding placement at the OU, attended CUWiP, worked in various hospitals and completed a human biology diploma alongside my degree. None of this would have been possible without getting the help I needed, learning to embrace my differences and working on loving my strengths and working on things I find difficult. Being part of an online community via my studygram @thefemalephysicist and hearing from other people with similar issues has also helped in a big way ♥️“
Instagram: @thefemalephysicist
