Award winner (2018)3rd December 2018
“Hi, I am a 24 year old female, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD four years ago.
I have overcome many barriers in life; including being disowned by my father who I was very close to, having no support from my family and being made homeless twice.
I was 19 when I was first made homeless. I was taken into Solihull college student accommodation and worked with some amazing tutors, who supported me to study Early Years from Level 1 to Level 6.
But this time last year, I had a very difficult time.
I was made homeless again after my student accommodation was demolished. I wasn’t given any support from social services or my family.
I was left on my own and told to quit education to receive support. I fought against this and moved around, staying at other people’s houses.
All of this had a big impact on my health. I struggled with the changes and all of my things being boxed up. This went on for half a year, until I was finally helped to get a council flat.
Through living here I managed to complete my degree and received a 2:1 overall.
Leah graduated with a 2:1
I now have my BA degree in Early Years and have a learning support assistant job working in mainstream school with a child with autism.
I have overcome many difficult challenges in my life. Without the support from a small amount of tutors I wouldn’t be where I am today.
They have supported me to study my course and degree at Solihull College and supported me through all the barriers I have come across.
I have overcome many difficult challenges in my life.
They have helped me understand myself and the learning strategies to help me deal with the difficult changes, allowing me to be the person I am today.”
We decided to leave Leah’s story in her own words; she’s a strong young woman who has overcome more than anyone should have.