Ella’s motivating piece could give you the kickstart you need!
“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done” Robert A. Heinlein
Right now, many of you might be looking at Universities or waiting for offers. For me, applying to university was equally exciting and nerve-wracking, but adding nerves about my Little Arm (how I like to refer to my limb difference) to that, made it quite worrying. However, I would stress now that these nerves are completely normal, and everyone has them!
My top tip would be to research the kind of physical and mental health support your chosen university offers. Sometimes you have to have a few ‘awkward’ conversations and explain that you might need help. I’m studying for a BSc in Environmental Science which involves a lot of lab and field work so I needed to be confident that I would be able to access support if I needed it. After many conversations with different universities, I created a ‘Student Support Plan’ with Lancaster University that included all aspects of support. Don’t worry if you go to a different University – I’m at York University and my ‘Student Support Plan’ was transferred over.
Speaking honestly, new settings, such as starting a new job (or university) make me nervous as I don’t know what people will think about my arm. However, moving to university is the best thing I’ve ever done. My friends say I am much more confident in myself, especially regarding my arm. So, I think the best thing you can do is throw yourself into ‘university life’, join lots of societies and clubs to meet new people with similar interests. I became the Disability Officer for my College and I’m now President of my College because of the confidence and growth I experienced! I know you’ll have a fabulous time at University and love every second!
If you want talk about university life or any topics you’d like me to write about please email ellad@reach.org.uk
Find Ella on Instagram: @ella.dickinson and giver her ‘How I’ videos a watch!
Read the entire Within Reach magazine here: https://reach.org.uk/within-reach-download/