Options Meeting at School
 

Hi everyone,

I had my Options meeting at the School today. For those of you that don't know what Options are, they are basically where you choose what subjects you want to take in the last 2 years of School - you HAVE to take Math, English and Science and then you can pick whatever other subjects you want to do.

The meeting was basically to let parents know what the Options are and how to help their child make the right decision and to also talk to the staff to see what they thought was best. The teachers did a powerpoint presentation and then we got chance to talk to the tutors.

I am really interested in going into an Health Course so we spoke to the teacher running the health and social studies course to see what she said. My mum explained that I had a neurological condition and that I might be off school for a short period of time because the pain is too bad and she basically said that there was no point in me even entering the course because of all the time I have already had off school!!!!!! I was SO angry and frustrated and thought that they were basically saying that because I was il, I wouldn't be able to get a job in the future!!

We then went into the school's dining room and spoke to my friend and her mum and told her what the teacher said. My friend was discusted and said that she wanted to do the health and social studies course also and that she spoke to a different teacher who was really understanding and nice (my friend has health conditions also!). My friend told us where to go to chat to the teacher so we could see what she had to say.

We found the teacher and explained my health complaints to her and she was lovely and said that just because I am ill doesn't mean that I can't go onto the course and that she wasn't sure why the other lady said it would affect me!! I don't think she was really happy at all and was going to have a word with the other teacher and tell her that what she said was pathetic! The teacher explained that if I had time off, I would have to catch up but it would be in my own time and hopefully, I shouldn't feel too stressed!!

The course that I am putting in for is called a Dimploma and it specialises in Health and Social Studies. A lot of my friends are putting in for that also and one of my close friends, wants to be a midwife so she will be on the same course as me hopefully if we both get accepted!!!! The course lasts for 2 years and once it is completed, you get 7 GCSE's and then can go and get a job specialising in either Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Criminal Justice Team, Social Worker etc etc. We also have to do 50 hours of placements and we will go to a nursing home, Physical Therapy centre etc.

I have to apply for the course - the deadline is the 12th February. I will then have to go for an interview which is where the teachers decide whether you will be suitable for the program - hopefully I should be an then we have to go for a look around the college where I will be doing the course, should I get accepted.

The course starts in September so at least I get plenty of time to study and also chance to talk to my teachers and back out, should I ever change my mind!

I am also going to be taking IT (computers) and some other subjects which I am still not decided on yet! We are hoping to try and get me back into school for the 2 hours computer session as that will get me a qualification. I'm so confused at the moment as half of me wants to go back to school but the other half of me wants to stay at the centre where I am happy and comfortable. Me and my mum are going to have a talk about that later but have decided not to pull out from the school centre as there is no way I would be able to manage full-time at work, at least at the moment!!

I'll keep you all updated and let you know if I get accepted onto the course!!

Ali,

I think you would be great in the heath field. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. We've know each other quite a while, and you are a very bright, understanding, caring young woman, and you will be great in what ever you want to be. You will do very well in the interviews and start studying for Sept., it will be here before you know it.

Hugs
Mary

Hi Ali
 

Ali,
I agree with Mary! You show a lot of understanding and compassion for others. You are a bright young lady, too. Ali, at what age do you graduate high school? I think my husband graduated at 15....back in the day, mind you. You may have to make consessions having the RSD, but when you make up your mind which direction you are going, you can DO IT! Stay true to yourself Ali and follow your heart cause its a big one:Heart: !!!!
Hugs Di

*BIG Hugs!* You go for what you want all the way!!!! :D If anyone can do it you can. I hope you get accepted into the course. I really, really hope the nice teacher gives a good tongue lashing and a swift kick in the pants to the stupid, mean one!!! ROFL

Be thinking of you and sending lots of luck and good thoughts your way.

Extra Huggles,

Karen

Hi Ali,

You are a very bright, intuitive and ambitious young lady. I think you will succeed at anything you put your heart and mind to. Don't ever let anyone tell you can't do something. Most of my "counselors" were wrong in their advice to me. Councelors are teachers who can't teach. I also remember something my dad told me once, those that can, "do," those that can't, "teach."

I would be honored to have you as my P.T.! Best of luck to you!

Thank you all so much for your kind words - I really appreciate them and they mean a lot to me :hug:! You are all the best friends anyone could ever possibly wish for!!

I'm really excited about starting the course but nervous at the same time as I know it is going to be a lot of hard work! I am always getting told by other people that I can't be an health care professional because I have RSD and it really upsets me and makes me feel worthless so hopefully this will prove to them that you can do anything as long as you set your mind to it!!

All of the Colleges where I will be going for the Course, should I get accepted are Disabled Accessable so at least i'll be able to get there if I am in a wheelchair! A lot of my friends are going onto the course also so at least i'll be with people that I know!! The teacher said that usually, about 15 students apply for the course and 12 get accepted so I have a high chance of being accepted fingers crossed!!

DianaA - Over here in the UK, we graduate School when we are 16 years old! I'm 14 on Monday so there's only another 2 years to go - I can't believe it, it only seems like 2 minutes ago when I was at Primary School and i'll be leaving soon LOL!!

Karen - Thank you for your kind words! The teacher on the course wasn't very happy with the other teacher and said that she was going to have a word as her attitude wasn't acceptable ... I really hope she say's something as she was really horrible and very strict!!!!

Thank you all again for your kind words, I really appreciatte them and will definitely keep you all updated!!:hug:

Ali,

Dealing with the pain of RSD, I believe it is important to have a career or avocation that is of high interest. I love my job. Everyday there is something interesting to me. If I had to go through my life doing work that was drudgery, I would likely give up and spend my day sitting as a lump. If you are really interested in health care -- go for it!

People who like their job are the ones who are best at doing it. You seem like someone who will be very compassionate and will be a health care provider that others really WANT to see.

Good luck.

Mike

Ali,

You have so much compassion and that is a needed thing in the health field. Having RSD gives you a painful knowledge of what others suffer.. Armed with that and what you will be learning will lead you to the path you want to follow..

I KNOW you can do it. I have no doubt at all about that!

Hugs to you..

Pauliana

Hello Alison,

I am so happy that you are going to reach for your goals in life. Stay away from those negative people who want to hold you back. You can do whatever you want to, with dedication and hard work!

Go for it! We're rooting for you...

Good luck,

EJ

Hi. I think you should be proud of yourself for the great goals you have. I have always found your responses and posts so amazing. You are a strong young lady who is very smart and kind. Many people like myself could learn from your outlook. Anyhow for the people I like to call "Debbie downers" try to remind yourself that is what they are. Unfortunatly in life you will meet people like this. I am not sure why they are but I try to think that they have issues of some kind that make them not so kind to others. Try to look in your heart what you feel is best for you both mentally and physically. I am sure with your spirit and hard work you will achieve your goals what ever they may be. By the way I never knew in the UK you graduated so early. So do some go away and live in dorms at 16 or am I so clueless? Well keep us updated