WELL DONE ROSANNA FROM STUDIO PROPERTY X Overcoming complex - TopicsExpress



          

WELL DONE ROSANNA FROM STUDIO PROPERTY X Overcoming complex disabilities in order to help others has resulted in Rosanna Atkins being given a special award at this year’s Edge Hill University scholarships. Being diagnosed with autism, asthma, dyslexia and dyspraxia, as well as battling a heart condition hasn’t stopped the 24-year-old from reaching her goals. Rosanna never lets her personal circumstances affect her own work ethic and her support for others. Despite her hardships she always has a smile on her face and goes the extra mile for others, which is why she has been given the Nick Allam Award for displaying the same qualities as the student the award is named after. Nick was a History student at Edge Hill University who touched the lives of so many people around him. He had Friedreich’s Ataxia, which affects mobility, hearing, vision and speech. Sadly Nick passed away last year as a result of his condition. Yet many of his fondest memories were of the four years he spent at Edge Hill and in his will he specified that he wanted to give something back to the University. It was decided to use his legacy in the form of a scholarship to reward a deserving student who has also overcome challenges. Nick’s learning facilitator Anne Foster said: “I remember him fondly as a highly motivated and focused student, who had a great thirst for knowledge and was a delight to work with. He loved history and worked diligently to gain his 2.1 degree, of which he was very proud. He was forever cheerful, in spite of the many challenges he faced every day of his life. He had a big personality, a wicked sense of humour and was an inspiration to all around him. This award gives recognition, not only to him, but to other students who have overcome difficulties to achieve their dreams. Most importantly, it will enable their collective stories to be told so that others can be inspired to do the same.” “When I was told I had won the Nick Allam award I thought ‘why me’, I’m nothing special,” said Rosanna, originally from Bedfordshire. “I felt very honoured when I was told all about him as he seems like such an inspirational man. It’s just nice to be recognised for what you do. I really love helping others, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t and I’m proud that someone has nominated me for my work.” Rosanna has volunteered at Ormskirk Children’s Hospital working alongside the play specialists to help children who are undergoing trauma to cope with the experience – something that is close to her heart as she spent long periods in hospital as a child. “My time spent helping children at the hospital has been so inspiring,” said Rosanna. “I know what these children are going through because I had open heart surgery when I was four years old. Every time I heard a noise or was told I needed a scan I would scream and hide. I could not have coped at hospital without the support of the play specialists. I think this work is amazing to be able to help them take their mind off the scary experience of being in hospital. This is something I would definitely like to do once I have finished my studies.” She also dedicates her time to the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides as well as raising funds for charities including Children in Need and the British Heart Foundation. She recently participated in the University’s 2013 Communication: the Key to Success conference, where she offered a personal perspective of living with autism. Currently finishing her top-up degree in Support for Families and Communities she is focussing her efforts on getting the best results possible. “Everyone said I couldn’t go to university, that I couldn’t do it with all my disabilities, but this has only made me more determined to achieve,” said Rosanna. “Edge Hill has been so supportive and I find the course very interesting and the campus is such a nice environment to be in. I just want to tell people to believe in yourself and to always follow your dreams.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 05:23:13 +0000

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