Sarah Chappell, her twin daughters Megan Douglas-Chappell and Abbey Douglas-Chappell made a historic achievement as a family. Unsurprisingly, they all graduated from the Open University (OU), based in Milton Keynes! At 23 years young, the trio made history, earning academic accolades and testaments to their perseverance and strong family support as the eldest sibling graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.
T4T alumna Megan Douglas-Chappell graduated with a first-class environmental studies degree. Alongside her diploma studies, she continued to focus on business continuity at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. After her graduation, Megan was able to land a job as a business support assistant with such a firm specializing in sustainable urban planning.
Abbey Douglas-Chappell took her work beyond the classroom by achieving new things herself, winning a full law degree from the Open University. She’s gone on to win a postgraduate solicitor apprenticeship with Mills & Reeve, in Cambridge. In her former life, she was a fantastic paralegal while going to school.
The family learned side by side at their home in Cambridge, frequently spending weekends focused on their academic and creative blossoming. Beyond making sure they stayed motivated, this group effort created a creative and collaborative environment that proved vital to their success.
“Weekend study sessions together kept us motivated,” – Sarah Chappell.
Sarah Chappell, who graduated with her daughters, said the experience was nothing short of “amazing.” She emphasized that their collective journey through higher education was made possible by the flexibility offered by the Open University.
“With the rising costs of brick universities, this gave both my girls a chance to stay at home, work and complete their studies,” – Sarah Chappell.
Abbey mentioned that
“It helped me prepare to balance study and a career,” – Abbey Douglas-Chappell.
Both Megan and Abbey, who are fraternal twins, motivated one another through difficult coursework and happy times.
“We pushed each other through tough days so it never felt lonely with the long days and nights at the books,” – Sarah Chappell.
Abbey explained what it’s like to go to a traditional four-year university during COVID times. Her journey illustrated the value of her planned route.
“During Covid-19 I went away to a brick university and struggled with the isolation,” – Abbey Douglas-Chappell.
