Learning difficulties Reflection

Learning Difficulties and Assessments: My Reflections

Throughout my time at university as an undergraduate ecology student, I struggled with exams and timed essays. I would spend hours revising and pouring my effort into assignments, only to be disappointed with my grades. It was infuriating to see other students breeze through with less work and achieve higher marks. This really impacted my self-esteem and made me question if I was unintelligent or incapable. 

It turns out a big factor was my undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia. These learning difficulties made certain tasks like planning essays very difficult for me. My essays would often lack structure because I had trouble getting all my ideas down during the planning stage. Dyslexia also slowed down my writing speed, so I'd run out of time on exams. The symptoms of dyspraxia like poor working memory didn't help either. I was putting in so much effort but just couldn't seem to get the results I wanted.

Being so self-critical and perfectionistic about my work only made things worse. I would get extremely down on myself when I didn't meet the high standards I'd set. This constant feeling of failure led to a lot of anxiety and procrastination. I dreaded exams and assignments, even though I loved learning about ecology. 

It was such a relief when I finally got diagnosed after university. Suddenly it all made sense - I had been fighting an invisible battle against my learning difficulties this whole time. I learned not to be so hard on myself and that reading and writing just take more work for me. The diagnosis changed my perspective and approach to learning. 

I do wish I had been diagnosed earlier and gotten support like exam accommodations. My mental health really suffered from constantly feeling not good enough. As a teacher now, I'm more aware of learning difficulties and the importance of support systems for students. We need better tools to identify issues like dyslexia, and effective training for teachers on how to teach and assess these students. I hope sharing my experience can increase understanding of learning difficulties and the toll undiagnosed conditions can take. With the right support and coping strategies, these students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Weight Loss Journey Part 3 or it Part 4

Salutations to fellow health enthusiasts! The period since Boxing Day has been a noteworthy interval during which I have observed my weight, consistently hovering around the 103 kg mark. It is evident that my dietary selections have been sub-optimal, and my commitment to regular exercise has been intermittent at best. However, I wish to reassure you that a decisive moment for transformation has arrived. With the imminent arrival of summer, I am resolute in my determination to shed excess kilograms and reclaim my former physique.

I am not inclined to join the trend of embracing fad diets in the month of January. Admittedly, this month is characterised by a sombre ambiance, and the weather is far from noteworthy. Why relinquish the small pleasures that aid us in navigating through these dreary days? Instead, I have identified February as the opportune time to refine my dietary preferences.

In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I have turned to James Clear's seminal work, "Atomic Habits." This literary masterpiece imparts practical methodologies for cultivating positive habits, breaking undesirable ones, and achieving enduring objectives, including weight loss. Clear's philosophy centres on the concept of effecting incremental changes, or what he terms "atomic habits," that can yield remarkable outcomes over time.

I am fully committed to dissecting my long-term health objectives into manageable, short-term habits. Whether it involves embracing intermittent fasting or integrating healthier meal options into my diet, I am prepared to make these incremental adjustments with a meaningful impact. Embracing Clear's minimalist approach to transformation, I am confident in my ability to reform my daily habits and consequently redefine my identity towards sustainable weight loss and an overall healthier existence.

The rationale behind this sudden urgency to instigate these changes is straightforward—I am averse to exposing myself to the health risks associated with excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle. The correlation between prolonged sedentary behaviour and weight gain is extensively documented. Research has elucidated that engaging in sedentary activities elevates the risk of obesity, alterations in body weight, and an expanded waist circumference.

Cognizant of these risks, I am dedicated to curtailing my sedentary periods and augmenting physical activity. The objective extends beyond mere weight reduction; it encompasses the mitigation of potential health complications associated with surplus weight. By seamlessly integrating regular physical activity into my routine and minimizing sedentary behaviour, I am taking proactive measures towards cultivating a healthier and more contented version of myself.

To new beginnings! As I temporarily sign off, rest assured that I will return to share my experiences and hopefully, the triumphs in my weight loss journey. Stay tuned for further updates on my pursuit of a healthier and more joyful lifestyle!