I am finishing my Bachelor of Social Work from a Canadian University. I completed my Registered Practical Nurse Training in 1991. I was told in high school that my aptitude tests stated that I will become a Hairdresser. This is nothing against hairdressers, but I don't like wearing makeup let alone doing my hair - "wash and go", is what I like. I asked if I could go to university - "no-your not smart enough - trade school for you"! Excuse me, I will soon have the same degree as the man that gave me that advice. I would NEVER say that to someone, where are peoples integrity? I know the impact it had on my life for a long time and when I struggle to write, formulate and speak my theories, it sometimes creeps up on me but it only drives me to prove them wrong - ANYONE who dares to say that to a child.

I have found that my life is a "glass half full". I appreciate the struggles I've had to face to get through an educational system that did not recognize a "learning disability". For me to receive that recognition through an assessment has given me ways to develop and cope with societial expectations of written language. I have strengths that off-set my challenge with words, I am a thinker! I am an inituative person who uses the knowledge of self, environment, personal challenges, and theories to give my work with people a real meaning. My paper work may not be up to par - if you can understand my diagrams, my symbols - my language then your one step ahead of my supervisor. That doesn't mean that paperwork doesn't get done. On the contrary. I put in overtime for my clinical and academic reports, there is no choice. It's expected of me. I find it difficult to juggle because if it wasn't on my time - there would be no time for my clients. It's a constant struggle.

I consider my mind to be building blocks. My personal experience is the foundation. Nursing and Social work give me a broader base to build my knowledge. However, I have found that even with all of these building blocks that there is a down side to being a thinker. In the light that my mind is constantly tying to make sense of new ideas. I learn practical knowledge, e.g. nursing, counselling, social work. quickly. Memory is like an elephant - excellent. Problems arise when I try to integrate new information into that schema, where does it go? It sits there and churns-till I work it out. It has to click with all three in order for me to build up, that takes a lot of time. It's tiring!

I often wish my life to be simple. However, simple things such as sharing this with you on paper is often taken for granted but for me it is worth the struggle if you understand what I am trying to say. I go by the philosophy You Never fail till You Stop Trying. Therefore, failure is not a reality for me.

Leah has agreed to respond to any questions you may wish to ask her. She can be reached at lswhittle@nf.sympatico.ca.ca