Erin O’s story

With support from Careers Wales, Erin gained the confidence to plan her future on her own terms.

Making decisions

At the start of Year 11, Erin felt under pressure to plan her future. This was while she was dealing with serious health challenges.

“The past year was hectic for me,” Erin says. “I went through several hospitals and medical investigations. Then at the start of Year 11, I felt like I had some sort of timer.

“I didn’t have a clue what to do. I felt like there was pressure on me to go to college. But I wanted it to be my decision, on my own terms.”

A conversation that focused on her

Erin’s first meeting with her careers adviser, Debbie, felt different from conversations she’d had before.

“She was very easy to talk to,” Erin says. “She said she saw a lot of students just like me.”

Erin was encouraged to talk about her interests, like art and English. The careers sessions with Debbie gave Erin space to slow things down and talk honestly, without judgement.

With time, research and follow up conversations, Erin began to feel more confident about her options. She also felt reassured that she didn’t need to decide everything at once.

Tailored support

Erin is deaf and is proud of who she is. “Being deaf is the norm for me,” she explains. “People don’t always see me as deaf because I speak well and my implants aren’t obvious.”

But she’s also honest about the challenges. “I am still deaf. I am still disabled,” she says. “I miss conversations, especially in group settings. Sometimes I get left out without people realising.”

Debbie worked alongside her school, family and additional learning needs teams to help plan her next steps properly. This included making sure colleges understood her communication and support needs.

Planning a future she believes in

In Year 10, Erin gave an English presentation about deafness, sharing her own experiences and research. 

That presentation helped shape her ambition to support other deaf young people. “I want to become some sort of deaf therapist, someone who understands and helps teenagers build confidence.”

Erin learned from Debbie that sociology and health and social care A levels could be a strong step towards that goal.

“You can imagine my glee when I found out they were a perfect step,” she says. “Debbie suggested them as options. I then did my own research with my mother and visited the college.”

Erin has now applied for sociology, health and social care, and fine art A levels and feels confident about what comes next.

 “Before, I thought I’d just do anything and end up with nothing to do with my life. It was miserable. Debbie helped me realise I didn’t have to make one decision that sets everything. Now I’m excited about what’s next.”

“I don’t let my deafness hold me back,” she added. “And I want other deaf young people to know they don’t have to either.

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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