Someone who cared
My own childhood was fraught with challenges, and I had a particularly difficult upbringing. I remember that all I ever wanted was just one person to be there for me – someone who I could turn to when I needed them. But as a young child, that person was never there.
As a teenager I struggled with dyslexia, and due to the lack of understanding and support at the time I would often act out and be disruptive. My first glimpse of someone who cared was the deputy head teacher at my secondary school. I would often be reprimanded and sent to his office, where he would provide a listening ear (as well as a cup of tea and a digestive biscuit!). He genuinely cared about what I had to say and helped me to make better choices around the things I could control. He saw potential in me and would say: “Penny, there is nothing stopping you – you can be whatever you want to be.”
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
