Hi everyone,

I just wanted to update you all on how I got on at college.

As some of you may already know, I have been taking my Options which is where you basically choose what subjects you want to take and which ones to drop. You have to take Math, English, Science and ICT (Computers) but can then choose any other subjects you want to do depending on what you want to be when you are older.

Last Wednesday and Thursday, I had a 2 day block period at a football club near where we live to discuss the course further. We got a chance to meet others that have applied for the course and do some team building exercises to try and work on our confidence. The course that I have applied to do is all on Social Care, Health and Development as that is the areas that I want to go in when I am older (I either want to be a Psychologist or Physical Therapist).

I was in a really bad flare last week so had to have someone write for me. I found it a bit uncomfortable as I like writing myself. Plus, a girl shouted out and complained saying that it wasn't fair that I had someone write for me and she had to write everything herself! Needless to say, the teachers weren't very happy with her and told her that she has applied for a course in health and that sort of language isn't acceptable!

We got a chance to meet all of the tutors that run the program and they explained a bit more about it. They are all really nice and friendly and very supportive. They showed us a video that some other kids had created that were already on the course and they said that although it can be pretty stressful at times, it is also very rewarding.

The Course that I have applied for consists of 5 sectors. One is in Health, another is in Child Development, one in Social Care, another in Criminal Justice and the final one is in nursery work etc. The course lasts 2 years and during that time, you cover all 5 different sectors and have to do 50 hours of placements during that time. The placements sound really good as some are in a nursing home, hospital, playgroup, nursery, youth club etc etc and you get to be involved with everything and work with real nurses and their patients!

On the final day of the course, we had to go for an interview. The teachers running the interviews asked why I wanted to be on the course, what skills I have etc. I told them that I have a chronic pain condition and it has made me want to help others and that I have learnt a lot since I have been ill and understand what others with an illness are going through etc. The teachers were really nice and supportive and asked what exactly was wrong with me, how it impacted my life etc. They said that acedemically, I would have no problems getting onto the course but that their worries were whether I would be able to cope with the 50 hours of placements or whether it would be too stressful for me. They told me to go away and come back with an answer as to whether or not I think I would be able to cope with it. It was such an hard decision but I told them that it was something that I really wanted to do and whilst I know it will be hard, I think that I would get a lot of knowladge from it and that it would be worth it. The teachers were really happy with my answers and said that I seemed to be confident. I was really happy when they said that as I felt as though I had no chance of getting onto the course, especially as my arm is so bad and I can't write at the moment.

After we had the interviews, some football players came in from our local football club! They came and gave us some certificates for attending the selecting event for the course and then they signed everything for us!! I support the football club we were at so it was really nice to meet them in person!!

We find out this week hopefully if we get accepted onto the course. I really hope that I do as it is something that I really want to do! If I don't get accpeted onto the course with 50 hours of placements, my school has also re-applied for me to go onto the same course but with 10 hours of placements so hopefully I will have something to fall back on if all else fails. If I don't get accepted onto either of the courses, then i'm not sure what I will do. We would have to re-think my options with the school and try and come up with a good alternative.

Please cross your fingers for me that I will get a place on the course! I will let you all know whether I have got accepted as soon as I know!!

I am sending good luck vibes. What ever happens I think you should be so proud of yourself for being so open and honest with your condition and having such amazing goals. I know you will do something great what ever it is. You should write a book. Keep us updated

Wishing you the best of luck!!

Good luck on this. I hope you get accepted.

You have such a good attitude and fortitude that I believe you can do this if they give you the chance.

Ada

I hope you get accepted!

That is really cool, Ali.

I think you will get in. You'll make a wonderful counselor!

Wow, Ali! That is quite an undertaking.

I do pray you will be accepted and that you will be able to endure the rigorous schedule w/o flaring worse.

Where's that girl who complained about you not doing your own writing? Give her this big >SMACK<

good luck i know that you can do it. your a very strong young lady and i know that if it what you want to do you will put your mind to do it !!! sending you pain free time!!!

Thank you all so much for the support and for crossing your fingers - I really appreciate it!! It's so nice to have your support and i'll let you know when I hear anything else - hopefully it will be this week!

Lol, thanks Twink! I don't know how I didn't smack the girl either - I think it was only the fact that I have RSD in both arms and my leg that stopped me from going and smacking her lol!! I don't think the teachers were happy with her as they told her that the course was for health and that she isn't very caring at all lol! I hope she doesn't get a place on the course - I don't think anyone liked her! She was one of those girls that things she's "it" and walked around as though she was really good. When we had to go and collect her certificates, she told everyone that they better clap for her and cheer!!!!!

Thanks again everyone for the support!