Because we have to believe. Guest Post
Today we are delighted to share with you a guest post from the lovely Victoria over at Starlight and Stories. Head over and have a read of her other posts when you have finished.
Because we have to believe
As a fifteen year old I was diagnosed with Dyslexia.
Throughout my schooling, I had been told I was lazy, a careless copier, someone who needed to make more effort.
I was made to walk backwards around the classroom because I reversed my letters.
Looking back, my teachers weren’t unkind, they were just ill informed. Whilst part of me wishes things had been different, I also know that their words made me who I am.
At eighteen, despite being told I would never be accepted by other well meaning teachers, I was accepted into Cambridge to read English with Education.
I had, by my own standards, made it. I had proven to myself and others that nothing would stand in my way.
Without a doubt, my early experiences have made me the mum and the teacher I am today.
These days I’m an autism specialist teacher, with a daughter who is also on the spectrum. And I tell both my students and my daughter the same mantra. Nothing is impossible. With hard work and determination, you can be whoever you want to be.
Life is not easy now, for parents, for students or for teachers. Government cuts have undoubtedly made it harder for students to get the help they deserve.
And I am angry about that.
But it doesn’t change my view.
I feel strongly that our children take their lead from us. We have to believe that despite the unfairness of the system, that despite the challenges they face – they can achieve.
Because whilst additional support matters, whilst additional services would enhance all of our lives we cannot allow the lack of it to ruin our belief and theirs that everything is possible.
We owe them that.
As parents, as teachers, as citizens of the world.
So I will continue to praise my daughter and my students for everything they achieve. I will continue to do my best to make further achievements possible.
But more than anything I will continue to tell them as often as they will listen that anything is possible.
After all wanting it, believing in it, means you are are already half way there.
Debs is one of the co-founders and Directors of Bringing Us Together. She is mum to three child with a variety of SEND and has a great husband.
