OU pioneer student Michael Poyzer was on track to complete his degree in 1977 when a busy family and work life forced him to press pause on his studies. Despite a successful career, Michael always classed The Open University as his ‘unfinished business’.

Now aged 71, Michael has not only completed his original degree, but is studying towards his Masters – proving that it’s never too late to follow your dream.

“I began my OU studies in 1971,” says Michael. “I had achieved various Engineering vocational qualifications and was looking to start an HNC course when I heard about the proposed ‘University of the Air’. I was able to get financial support from my employer, Raleigh Bicycles, and applied to begin the OU’s Science Foundation course.”

Life at work and home became increasingly busy for Michael from then on. He and wife Susan welcomed their son Christopher in 1975, and by the time they had daughter Victoria in 1977, Michael was working as a Senior Production Engineer. He realised he was stretching himself too thin.

“In 1977, I started a new role and also set up a bicycle business with my brother. There was just no time at all, so I decided to put the OU on hold for a few years to focus on my family and new business.”

Unfinished business

Over the next few decades, Michael and his family worked to build a successful bicycle retail, distribution and design business, opening a large premises in Nottingham.

“The OU was always unfinished business,” says Michael, who began thinking about returning to his degree just after his 60th birthday when he was winding down his company.

“Although I had previously been mainly interested in Science-based subjects, I decided to begin an Open Degree which allowed me to add in creative writing modules, a passion which I had steadily developed.”

“I completed my BSc. Honours in 2013, just around the time of my 65th birthday.”

Following the dream

With one degree now completed, Michael set his sights on completing his Masters and began studying for an MA in Creating Writing with the OU, which he hopes to complete in 2020 – just before his 72nd birthday.

As both a pioneer student and a recent graduate, Michael has a unique perspective of how studying has changed over the past fifty years:

“Studying now is considerably easier than it was in 1971,” admits Michael. “For me, the internet makes the OU come of age. You can get to know your fellow students so easily through forums and have study materials at your fingertips; there are no feelings of isolation.”

He also understands what it takes to push yourself, even when others may doubt you. To anyone who is thinking about starting a course – or returning to one – Michael offered the following words of wisdom:

“Don't be afraid to follow your dream. You will have doubters who ask you why but just ignore them and plough on. Also, don't be afraid to take a year or two out if things get tough, but always keep it in mind as 'unfinished business'.”