My journey has been a remarkable one, characterised by self-discovery, academic achievement, and the founding of Chrysalis Dyspraxia Awareness—a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about a lesser-known condition. It all started with a life-changing diagnosis and my pursuit of higher education at Leeds Beckett University, where I am currently enrolled on the MA in Interdisciplinary Psychology course.

Discovering dyspraxia

It was the end of my first year at Leeds Beckett when I received a diagnosis that would change my life forever. Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects motor and cognitive coordination. This newfound understanding was a revelation that not only helped me comprehend my struggles but also ignited a passionate desire to spread awareness about dyspraxia, one of the least-known and understood conditions.

Birth of Chrysalis Dyspraxia Awareness

Inspired by my diagnosis and determined to make a difference, I founded Chrysalis Dyspraxia Awareness, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about dyspraxia. Our mission statement is simple but powerful: "Working to create a world in which dyspraxic people can thrive and not just survive." Our aim is to shed light on this condition and provide support for those affected by it.

From doubt to dreams

My path to higher education and my journey with dyspraxia have not been without challenges. I grew up facing developmental milestone delays and a profound struggle to fit in. Born at 26 weeks with very little chance of survival, I suffered brain haemorrhage and things were not looking good, but I pulled through. Shyness and social anxiety marked my early years, and a school system that didn't fully understand developmental differences led to feelings of inadequacy. The '70s and '80s were a different time, and I often felt like an outsider, relegated to the "thickie" class. This label was painful, and I left school with a sense of underachievement.

The university dream

The dream of attending university had always lived within me, but it had seemed like an unattainable goal. I started on a path towards higher education at York College in 2015, taking an access course in subjects like Psychology and Criminology. The dream of university still felt distant, but the desire to learn and grow propelled me forward. With encouragement from a classmate, I took a leap of faith and enrolled at Leeds Beckett University. At the age of 46, I began my BSc in Psychology.

Pursuing new horizons

Today, I find myself at Leeds Beckett, enrolled in an MA in Interdisciplinary Psychology, with dreams of pursuing a PhD. The world of academia has opened up my horizons, and I am constantly exploring new subjects, with consciousness being my current passion.