When Summer walks into a room, you are immediately drawn to her lively personality and her opinions of the world. Summer has mild autism, dyslexia and dyscalculia. She also suffers from low moods and anxiety and physical health issues.
She shares her experience of life at school and what has happened since. This is her story:
Summer went to Bradfields Academy for her secondary education: “I had problems but who doesn’t have problems when they go to school?” says Summer. “I was bullied and I had problems with a boy who stalked me. There would be days when I didn’t want to go out and my behaviour would change.” However, she did not let this affect her learning: “I always made sure my homework was done. If I fell behind I’d catch up very easily.”
When she left Bradfields, Summer went to Midkent College where she was in Rivermead Sixth form unit: “They supported me greatly and made sure I got the help I needed,” explains Summer.
However, the first year of college was tough. “It was really, really rough – I found integrating into college hard. I developed health issues - mentally and physically -through the stress of going to college.”
A ‘massive’ world She continues: “Because I came from a small school of about 100 students my world was tiny. Suddenly the world became massive and it was too much for me at the time.”
Summer faced some difficulties during her second year at college too. “My second year could have been better – I was suspended,” explains Summer. “I had issue with another girl who posted our conversations on social media and I reacted badly to it.”
However, the college allowed her back to continue her studies: “I had to be on good behaviour to pass my course. I passed my Animal Care Level 2.”
‘Therapeutic’ farm In September 2017, Summer had the opportunity to go to White Rocks Farm College. “Since I started at the farm I’ve grown as a person - I have developed skills, I’ve made friendships,” she says.
“The reason why I go to the farm is because of the love I have for the animals. It’s therapeutic just to be around them all day, with my special needs and my disabilities.
“It has taught me how to deal with certain situations and I now use those skills in everyday life. I have been able to pass my Maths Entry Level 3, I’ve been able to learn how to take and give instructions to people and to be able to work independently on the farm doing the daily jobs that I do.”
And Summer has quite a few jobs to do. She cleans out rabbits, guinea pigs and a cattery. She feeds the animals, makes sure they have water and checks on their health.
“I also look after tiny little birds called quails,” says Summer. “You name it - I’ve got the animal. I’ve even got llamas!”
Summer has also been supporting new students to the farm: “I have been teaching others how to do the job such as which animals to let out, and when and how to use the equipment.”
Mentor mum The students have mentors who help them out when needed or if anything unexpected happens. “It’s never boring day in the office, says Summer. “There’s always something new! One of the mentors is just like a mum – I love her to bits she’s brilliant.”
When asked about Summer’s best experience at the farm she says: “There’s so many good times! I love this time of year because everything is being born – I’ve fed baby lambs, kids, kittens and I love everything that’s being born. You don’t ever get bored – there’s always something to do.”
But, of course, there are downsides to being on a farm: ‘Obviously everything dies – I get really attached and so when an animal dies I get really emotional over it. When you look after them all the time they are like your babies – even the grumpy ones - I still love them.”
Future plans So what does the future hold for Summer? “My ideal job would be being paid to work with and look after animals.
“I haven’t really figured out my future yet but I know it’s going to have animals involved in it – I can’t stand humans!” laughs Summer.
Summer is a member of the Young People’s Participation Group at Medway Council. For further information on the group contact emily.wood@medway.gov.uk
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