My Calling Found Me: Embracing Innovation in Special Education

Finding My Passion in Special Education

When the pandemic hit and teachers were placed into bubbles, it ended up being a blessing in disguise for me. I finally felt valued as I was given more time to reflect on my true calling as an educator. In my spare moments, I began researching ways to better support students with learning differences, particularly those with dyslexia like myself. Although undiagnosed until adulthood, I now recognize the daily struggles I faced as a dyslexic learner. This led me to create resources on my website "Dino-Resource-US" to promote awareness and help other students who learn differently.  

Taking a leap of faith, I accepted a position as a teaching assistant at Newfriars College's specialized SEND program. This has been a life-changing experience. The staff fully supports innovation and has created a pathway for me to get back into teaching. This year, I began delivering sessions on assistive technology to help students overcome barriers in literacy and promote independent living skills. Seeing their growth as they learn to use text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and accessibility settings is incredibly rewarding. My dream of being a teacher again feels within reach.

My passion for special education grows daily. The journey has shaped me into the educator I am today, and I look forward to expanding my assistive technology sessions next term. I'm thankful for the supportive community at Newfriars that empowers me to make a difference.

Climbing Out of the Black Hole: My Struggle With Mental Health

Finding Light Through Dark Times: My Journey with Anxiety and Depression

Mental health issues can strike anyone at any time. Even when life seems good on the outside, inner turmoil can take hold if the right triggers are hit. This was my experience a few years ago when, despite my usual cheerful exterior, severe anxiety and later depression took over my life.  

It started when the stress of finishing my PhD thesis collided with financial struggles and a breakup. The pressure to be perfect in my work, which had always driven me, started to backfire. I became obsessed with working constantly, yet made little progress as insomnia set in. A caring friend noticed my decline and intervened, bringing me to a doctor who prescribed sleeping medication so I could rest and reset.

With a deadline extension, I got back on track and submitted my thesis. But new challenges arose months later when I had to make major revisions in a short timeframe, alongside an exciting opportunity to publish in a top journal. My toxic perfectionism hijacked me again, plunging me into relentless anxiety and despair. I turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overspending and mixing alcohol with sleeping pills, losing all rational thought. Suicidal thoughts even crept in, tempting me to end the pain.  

Somehow I found running, which helped control my anxiety. I later walked away from my scientific career, realising perfectionism had become a poison. After this breaking point, I slowly rebuilt my life and my sense of self-worth. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, which finally explained why I'd always had to work so much harder academically than peers. 

While shadows of anxiety and depression still cross my mind sometimes, I've come through the darkness. As starting a new career in education, I strive for progress, not perfection. I'm also a mental health advocate, sharing my story to help others know they aren't alone. I have very recently become a qualified mental health first aider and i already put these new skills into practice support several people who have struggled with their mental health.  Healing is possible. If you're struggling, please reach out. Small steps each day can lead you out of the depths back into light.

Stop the scroll: Engage

Here is a draft personal opinion blog post:

As a parent, there is one thing that really irks me - seeing other parents glued to their phones instead of engaging with their children. I've taken my kids to restaurants and seen parents just staring at their screens while their children try to get their attention. I've been to beaches, playgroups, and playgrounds where parents let their kids run wild so they can scroll on their phones. 

In my opinion, nothing is more valuable than quality time with your children. Physically playing with them and being present fosters social development and strengthens your bond. Children learn by modeling behavior, so when we ignore them for our devices, we teach them poor manners and set a bad example. 

I want my children to grow into good citizens with strong interpersonal skills. That won't happen if I'm disengaged, eyes glued to a screen. Like Willy Wonka said, time is precious - don't waste the precious, fleeting moments of childhood! 

Beyond development, I worry about privacy and safety when I see parents plastering their children's lives all over social media. Childhood moments should be cherished privately, not exploited for likes. 

Obviously we all need breaks and moments to check our devices. But when out with your kids, try to be fully present. Keep the phone in your pocket. Engage with them, embrace the moment, and model good behavior. Your children will thank you for it someday.