Paul Slevin, from Coatbridge, graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling from the Open University (OU) in Scotland on Friday, October 24.
The 34-year-old applied to study at the educational institution after receiving support to help manage anxiety and panic attacks, and he’s now aiming to help others battling mental health challenges.
The caring North Lanarkshire man left school after completing his Standard Grades, and he currently works as a taxi driver.
The young man made the bold decision to apply for university after being inspired by the support he received to cope with his mental health issues.
Paul said: “I’ve struggled throughout most of my adult life with anxiety and panic attacks.
“Around a year and a half before starting my journey at the OU, I was really struggling with panic attacks and attended a men’s charity called Chris’s House.
“I received a block of therapy sessions courtesy of the charity, and it changed my life, and I still to date haven’t had another panic attack.
“After this, I thought about the future and getting back to studying and decided I wanted to learn more about the mind, and hopefully in the future repay the favour by being at the other side of the table for someone in need of help.”
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According to the OU, the accessibility, flexibility and affordability of studying with the OU made it possible for him to study for a career in helping people suffering with mental health issues.
Paul claims that the Part-Time Fee Grant was ‘very important’, and it is unlikely he would have been able to afford to study without access to it.
While studying, the Coatbridge local continued his work as a taxi driver to earn an income.
He also invested in a MacBook at the start of his degree to study at home and later bought an iPad that he could use while at work.
Paul added: “Working in the taxi, especially during the week, can be quiet times. Normally, I would listen to audiobooks or waste time on my phone.
“I started by bringing out the module textbooks and a notepad, but decided to get an iPad.
“With this, I could download module content, textbooks and eventually I linked it to my phone’s hotspot so I could work on essays to utilise my time.
“By doing this, I was able to learn and work on essays while I was working, so I didn’t have to lose out on working to study.”
However, during his second year of studying, Paul’s taxi was unfortunately damaged in an incident in the lead-up to Christmas, and it took months to be repaired.
Following his graduation, Paul revealed he ‘loved’ studying at the university. He said: “I loved it. It had been more than a decade since I had been in an educational setting, and it gave me a sense of purpose. I was excited to learn more.
“The module content was always engaging, and I enjoyed attending the tutorials live – the lecturers were always interesting and it was great to learn from them.”
Since completing his degree, Paul has applied to volunteer with the charity Shout, which is the UK’s first and only 24/7 text service, offering free and confidential advice to anyone struggling with their mental health.
He is also considering studying for a postgraduate qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
“Studying with the OU definitely helped me to volunteer with Shout, as people who text struggle with varied issues, most of which we covered during the module content.
“It helped me understand more in detail what these people are going through and equipped me with the tools to tackle these issues.”
Ahead of graduating, Paul said: “I’m proud of myself. I said I was going to see it through, and I have.
“I loved it. It had been more than a decade since I had been in an educational setting, and it gave me a sense of purpose.
“I was excited to learn more.
“The module content was always engaging, and I enjoyed attending the tutorials live – the lecturers were always interesting and it was great to learn from them.
“It’s a great university, especially for people like myself who are a bit older and think they are finished with studying. It’s never too late for a change!”
The OU 2025 graduation ceremonies took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on October 24.
