When 52-year-old Li Dong received her second open university degree certificate from her class advisor, she was overwhelmed with emotion. "This is my second degree certificate!" she exclaimed joyfully during an interview with Qingdao Morning Daily on 31 July 2024.

In 2018 and 2024, Li Dong earned degrees in Civil Engineering and Pharmacy from Qingdao Open University. This middle-aged woman demonstrated her value through her hard work and practical approach to learning. "It is the flexible teaching methods of Qingdao Open University that have empowered me to realise my dream." Li Dong said.

Profile

Li Dong

Age: 52

Identity: Employee at a landscaping company

First Academic Degree

" Anxiety from Fear of Lacking Skills"

Li Dong, now 52, .graduated from a technical secondary school and joined a landscaping company, contributing to urban greening and landscape creation. "Our work isn’t just about planting trees and grass, it involves participating in various greening projects, which requires knowledge in civil engineering." Li Dong explained. As her work deepened, she felt that her knowledge was becoming insufficient. "More and more college students are entering the workforce, and the pressure of academic qualifications and the fear of lacking skills made me increasingly anxious"

In 2016, Li Dong decided to enrol in the Civil Engineering programme at Qingdao Open University. After researching various avenues for academic advancement, she chose Qingdao Open University due to its online and flexible learning options, which suited her lifestyle of working during the day and studying at night and on holidays.

Fully immersed in her studies, time flew by. In 2018, Li Dong earned her first degree. Recalling her learning experience six years ago, she vividly remembered the strict but supportive guidance from her class advisor. " I usually study at night after work. No matter how late, my questions were always answered promptly," Li Dong said. The constant support from her teachers at the Open University not only provided her with timely guidance but also served as a silent motivation for her studies.

Balancing work, life, and study, Li Dong seamlessly switched between these roles.

After earning her degree, she became more adept at her job, successfully underwent professional title evaluations, and now holds a deputy senior title, progressing steadily in her career.

Second Academic Degree

To Better Care for Her Sick Parents

In 2021, Li Dong enrolled in the Pharmacy programme at Qingdao Open University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. While her first degree was aimed at advancing her career, her second degree was driven by personal interests and the desire to better care for her parents, both of whom have diabetes.

"Through systematic learning, I can understand the components and therapeutic principles of medications, enabling me to better care for my parents and alleviate their suffering," she explained.

Returning to her alma mater in 2021, Li Dong chose Pharmacy despite its lack of connection to Civil Engineering, requiring her to study over 20 new courses. Initially, her choice was met with confusion, but once her teachers understood her motivations, they offered strong support. “Applying what one learns is a high level of learning,” Li Dong said, noting that goal-oriented learning keeps students motivated and more likely to succeed.

Leveraging her previous study experience, Li Dong successfully completed over 20 courses in Pharmacy, including Analytical Chemistry, Human Anatomy Physiology, Pharmacology, Dispensing Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacology, and Pharmacy in nearly three years.

Learn anywhere, anytime, and balance work with study

"With a clear goal, I knew why I was learning, especially in pharmacology. I had already accumulated some knowledge while caring for my parents, so the studies weren't overly challenging," Li Dong explained. Her graduation thesis on Type 2 diabetes medication combined her practical experience with her academic research.

Reflecting on her two learning experiences at Qingdao Open University, Li Dong felt deeply grateful. She had gained academic credentials, enhanced her capabilities, and boosted her confidence. "Ultimately, I thank the university’s flexible teaching methods and comprehensive guidance, allowing me to learn online anytime, anywhere, and balance work with study, " she said during the spring semester opening ceremony in 2024.

"Qingdao Open University now enrols more than 20,000 students each year, all pursuing dreams of further education, and over 20,000 students graduate, taking their learnings into society. Unlike when they first arrived, they now have a solid foundation in societal competitions, no longer plagued by academic and skill anxieties. When opportunities arise, they are ready to seize them, no longer feeling unqualified," said Chen Hong, dean of the School of Open Education. He told the reporter that the opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared.

What open universities impart to their students not just knowledge and skills, but also subtly influence and shape their values throughout the teaching process. Through the lifelong learning, individuals can continuously improve, make up for past shortcomings, and ensure they have no regrets in life.

Reprinted by OUC News Network from Qingdao Morning Daily