“For years I believed I wasn’t capable. Now I know I can achieve what I put my mind to it.”
Jonathan Breen spent 14 years working in mental health services, beginning as a nursing assistant
After years of believing university was beyond his reach, with the right support in place, including tailored help for his ADHD, Jonathan Breen has transformed not only his career, but also his confidence in his own ability to learn.
Jonathan, 35 and from Belfast, had spent 14 years working in mental health services, beginning as a nursing assistant and supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments.
Inspired by the nurses he worked alongside, he began to consider progressing his career.
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“I loved working in mental health, listening to people’s stories and helping then through difficult times. I saw how nurses were able to offer additional support and guidance.
“It was never about the pay increase. It was about being that person someone could rely on when they felt hopeless,” he said.
But university had always felt out of reach. At school, Jonathan struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and left with just four GCSEs, without English and Maths.
“For years I believed what I had been told growing up, that I wasn’t smart enough for university,” he said. “I assumed it simply wasn’t an option for me.”
That perception began to shift when he saw colleagues successfully studying through The Open University while continuing to work.
Encouraged by their experiences, Jonathan decided to take the first step. He completed additional qualifications in Maths and English to meet entry requirements and applied for the nursing degree.
From the outset, the support he received played a critical role in his success. Studying part-time while working in the health service allowed him to maintain financial stability, but it was the personalised academic and wellbeing support that made the difference.
As Jonathan began to better understand his learning needs, including seeking a formal ADHD diagnosis during his studies, Open University staff worked with him to adapt his approach to learning.
“The flexibility was vital. It allowed me to build a study routine that worked for me and learn in a way that suited how my brain works.”
With guidance from support staff, Jonathan developed strategies to manage focus, structure his time, and approach assignments in a way that aligned with how he processes information.
“The support team gave me a safe place to talk about what I was finding difficult. They helped me realise I wasn’t ‘not smart’, I just learn differently,” he explained.
The ability to study flexibly also allowed him to build routines around his ADHD, fitting learning into his life in ways that felt manageable.
Whether studying during quiet moments at home or joining tutorials remotely while travelling, Jonathan was able to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Balancing work and study was not without its challenges, but with consistent support and a growing belief in his own ability, Jonathan set himself a personal goal: to graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Mental Health Nursing.
“I didn’t need a first to get a job,” he said. “But I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.” After years of dedication, and with the right support behind him, he achieved exactly that.
Now working as a Band 5 Mental Health Nurse in an inpatient service for older adults, Jonathan’s transition from healthcare assistant to registered nurse was confirmed when he received his Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.
Reflecting on his journey, he says the experience has fundamentally changed how he sees himself: “The degree unlocked confidence in myself that I didn’t know was there.
“For years I believed I wasn’t capable. Now I know I can achieve what I put my mind to it.”
Jonathan hopes his story will resonate with others who may doubt their ability, particularly those with ADHD or other learning differences.
“The biggest thing that holds people back is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgement, fear of not being good enough. If you’re thinking about doing it, take the opportunity. You might surprise yourself,” he said.
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