A year of Hope
Published by carlajo November 27th, 2007 in General
What a year this has been!!! At the end of last year I decided to do my Honours in Educational Psychology and it is hard to believe that I am already finished. When I was accepted, Clint and I decided that I must just bite the bullet and do it full time over one year instead of two years. I think we were completely nuts! The wonderful avo’s were supportive from the start and throughout the year I have had so much encouragement from this space. So, thank you to everyone who was a part of this journey. A really huge thanks must go to my husband Clint. I can’t lie and say that it was easy…..it was flippin difficult and I think there were more than five occassions where I said “I don’t think I can do it anymore”. My knight in shining armor would always be there to tell me that I can do it and that he loves me no matter what. It has been tough for Clint too, and I thank him soooo much for sticking with me through it all. Now we can be married again, and people finally believe that I am no longer a figment of Clint’s imagination.
Although it was a non-stop year and I felt like a hermit for most it, I learnt so much and I wanted to share a little bit about how amazing my internship was. I had the privilege of spending my time at a school in Westcliffe called Hope School. It is for physically disabled learners and has the most incredible children. The disabilities range from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brittle bone disease, spina bifida, amputees and a host of others. Instead of me going there to inspire and uplift the kids, I often felt like the one being inspired. These young people have fought a tough battle to just get up in the morning and often are looked at by others as weird, freaky and incapable. My eyes were opened so much when I actually got to know these children. They are strong individuals who are often more capable than us able bodied humans. Ask yourself honestly whether you would go out when perhaps you can’t control your movements, can’t walk or can’t speak clearly? These children get up every day and fight against a society that excludes and labels them, so that they can live as normal a life as possible. They are wonder kids and I was so privileged to get to know them.
So next time you see someone who doesn’t look like you, don’t judge them. They can think, feel and do probably just as much as you can. Get to know them and you will be surprised. Thank you to Hope school for the opportunity to learn and grow! It will always be a time I can look back upon and say that it was a turning point for me. Next year I will be in a slightly different space at Reddam House, but I am excited to learn and grow even more. So watch this space for more challenging adventures.
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Building and delivering training solutions that empower people with skills and insight to make better choices and live bigger lives. Being brave enough to take on the challenges at a scale that makes a significant impact in SA and beyond
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Well done Carla! Can’t believe it’s already over… .
You’re so right. Everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are and what they bring, not what they look like.
They couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador!
C. x
Carla, we had an idea that this year would be difficult in many, many ways. Of course we cannot ever know just how tough it really was. All I can say is well done! But I know you have it in you to do remarkable things, coupled with that is the incredible love and supprt Clint gives you. You cannot know how highly he always speaks of you and your achievements. Keep it up guys you make a great team. xxxjen
Well done on the achievement. It’s amazing how many people lack the support from their loved ones and are thus unable to pursue dreams. You’re fortunate to have Clint beside.
Well done you deserve it you worked so hard, you gave me inspiration to expect all
types of people and get to know them much better.
I’m so delighted you’ve got to this point. The children of South Africa are going to be better off because you’ll be there, helping them go where they never dreamed possible!
You made a brave move!!! I must admit, and it has paid off in more ways than one. Congraaaaaaaaaaaadulations.
Congratulations on getting through this year and for making such a success of it! Honours is an extremely tough thing to do, but we knew you could and we knew that you would do so well. I really take my hat off to you for doing it and i know that you are going to be a wonderful teacher!
Well done my amazing wife! i am very proud of you and I love you very much.
Hey Carla Jo.
Way to go! What a huge accomplishment. I know it has been a tough year but as with everything you do, you have approached it with complete dedication and such grace. Congratulations and best wishes for the next part of your journey.
LOL, Becks