Clearing gave me a chance, now I’m making a difference

“My academic journey didn’t begin the way I had planned. After completing my A-levels, I didn’t achieve the grades I was expecting, and I also came to realise that forensic psychology was no longer the right path for me. I was unsure of what direction to take but I knew I was determined to go to university. When it came to choosing a course, I was torn between children’s nursing and learning disability nursing. I was particularly drawn to learning disability nursing, even though I had little knowledge of the field at the time.

The experience of going through clearing was emotional, I felt disappointed in myself and worried that I had let my family down. However, throughout it all, my dad was my biggest supporter. He encouraged me to keep going and helped me navigate the process. I’m incredibly grateful that the University gave me the opportunity to begin this course, I was absolutely thrilled to start.

I began to recognise parallels between my own experiences and those faced by people with learning disabilities: the feeling of not being understood, of being misrepresented, of having your identity questioned or dismissed. Due to the similarities between the two marginalised communities, I could feel a deeper sympathy for the learning disability community, as I have personal experiences that help me understand how they might feel about their disability. In some ways, this includes not always feeling welcomed, not being understood, facing lies and other people's opinions about your identity, and the feeling of being humiliated for simply being yourself just because of the way you were born. These shared experiences have helped me grow into a more empathetic and compassionate practitioner.

Coming out as a trans girl during my first placement with a children’s learning disability team was a defining moment. I was met with kindness, respect and genuine curiosity that never felt inappropriate or invasive. Hearing my pronouns used correctly and being accepted for who I am was incredibly affirming, it made me feel seen, safe, and valued. Living as a trans girl has made me feel euphoric, comfortable and feeling hopeful for my future.

Now, as a student nurse, I’ve felt safer and more respected, and I’ve come to see my differences and intersectionality as something to be proud of. I use these aspects of myself in my work, advocating for my community however I can. I want to show other trans girls the opportunities we have and how we can live successfully like anyone else and that other people’s bigotry and our trans identity won’t hold us back from living like a true doll.

I want to show others, especially trans girls, that our identity is not something that holds us back. It is something to be proud of. We can succeed, we can care, and we can lead—just like anyone else.”