Hello Everyone
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Charity Mafuba and I am a recent BPP LLB Hons in Law Graduate.
Some of you, as is the case with life, are diagnosed with illnesses or health conditions that impede your ability to manage even your basic daily living.
That alone can threaten achievements and accomplishments for example, pursuing an education.
This is something I can personally attest to. In this regard, I would like to share my personal experience with you all with the hope that it may encourage you in your quest for education.
A few years back, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can include widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating.
Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to physical pressure. This means that what would be a relatively minor knock for most people could be extremely painful for someone with fibromyalgia. This increased sensitivity isn't fully understood but it’s thought that it could be related to changes in the way the nervous system processes pain. Some researchers have shown using special brain scans that these processes are altered in people with fibromyalgia.
Pursuing a degree is a challenge in itself; moreover managing a chronic condition doesn’t ease the burden.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. BPP offers support to students like myself who suffer from chronic conditions. There are various avenues of support available that cater to students on an individual basis in accordance with their level of need.
In my case I was provided with extra time in the written exam and extra time to complete my course work, thus enabling me to manage my studies.
The one regret I have is not deferring my second year coursework at the time my condition deteriorated. This led to mediocre input resulting in substandard results, which consequently cost me a first. I graduated with 65.12%, a high 2:1, which is the consolation I take.
My advice is, please do not let your ailments, be a stumbling block. Help is available from the Inclusion & Learning Support team, which comprises of helpful people like Christina Lambi. They will ensure you receive all the support that you require to enable you to have the best chance in achieving your education without letting your health be a hindrance.
The Disability and Wellbeing group headed by Florence Steadman comprises of like-minded students who suffer from various ailments and serves as a support group, thus providing a conducive environment, where ideas and solutions are shared and thus a mutually beneficial service.
To join the Disability & Wellbeing group please email Inclusion@bpp.com
For Learning Support enquiries, please email LearningSupport@bpp.com