I Always Have Something to Say - Now I’m a Journalist!

In my first article for Clydesider, I wrote about my life with cerebral palsy, my Changing Places campaigning and how I was studying for a Certificate in Foundation Journalism.

I am delighted to say that I have now passed the course!

Receiving my certificate was a proud moment and marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

It showed me that all the hard work and determination had been worthwhile.

Why journalism?

I have enjoyed writing from a young age, and a few years ago I did a creative writing course which gave me a taste of journalism.

Through my campaigning and blog, I realised I wanted to take my writing further.

I also feel that being a journalist gives me another way to get my voice, and the issues I care about, heard.

I heard about the course through a friend.

The Certificate in Foundation Journalism is an NCTJ qualification, and I studied it through Ability Today, an organisation that provides training and opportunities for disabled people.

The course was completely online, with classes every Thursday morning for nine months.

I then completed the units at my own pace, taking just over two years to finish the qualification.

Throughout that time, I was very well supported by Ability Today and the NCTJ tutors.

Different Styles

One of the things I enjoyed most about the course was getting to try different types of journalism.

I particularly liked doing interviews, writing news articles, comment pieces and reviews, as well as writing a colour piece.

I also enjoyed making a video, which gave me the chance to try something different from written journalism.

Two pieces particularly stood out for me.

I really enjoyed writing a colour piece about travelling to Florida, as travel is something I enjoy writing about.

I was also proud of creating a video about The Advisory Group, where I volunteer.

I didn't realise at the beginning just how difficult the course was going to be.

I didn't pass every unit first time, and there were moments when I questioned whether journalism was really right for me.

However, I overcame the challenges, kept going and pushed myself to finish the course.

Looking back now, I am glad I didn't give up.

Future Plans

Looking to the future, I would like to work as a freelance journalist, continuing to write for Clydesider magazine and taking any other opportunities that may come my way.

In the past, whenever I finished a course or project, I would worry about what was next and whether I would have something else to do.

This time feels different.

Instead of worrying, I feel positive and excited to see what the future brings.

Who knows? Maybe one day I will even be reading the news through my communication device.

It certainly isn't something you see every day, but I hope it will inspire others to believe that anything is possible.