Carmen Pace
Posted : 1st September 2009
When you have reached that stage in your life when you no longer know what you are doing and you don’t much care what happens to you or about your job, then that is the time when you take a chance. A chance that maybe there is something in life, some hope to hold on to that all is not impossible and that you are worthy. I was in a job that was less than fulfilling and a life that went nowhere. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. Downloading and completing the Fircroft application form was a daunting task. Would Fircroft accept me? Was I too thick and have too many problems for them to cope with? It was not an easy transition.
Having a disability meant I was different from the others from the word go but from the start the other students treated me as an equal. Being a resident was essential in so many ways - making friends, study groups, whatever you can think of. Being a resident made it so much more special.
Going ‘back to school’ was a surprise. At times I thought to myself, “Why am I doing English again??”, but there was always something to be learned. Maths, my great nemesis, was finally overcome thanks to Sam (the maths tutor). Her persistence and infinite patience paid off – I now have my GCSE Maths. I cannot say that the classes were all hard work but neither were they all fun and games. To achieve the credits you have to work hard but the support is always there. Sometimes the frustration of college life can really get to you, especially with people living under one roof. But the staff come into their own with their friendliness and kindness. Somehow you are never on your own.
Where am I in my life now? Well, not only did I pass GCSE Maths, but I passed the Access course and I am on my way to university to study Ancient History. So for someone who did not know what to do with her life, or even if she had a life, suddenly I am alive and flying high. Thanks Fircroft, you taught me more than you can ever know.
