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Sometimes a ‘blast from the past’ can fill you with joy! I had one this week that inspired me so much I wanted to share it.

In my early career as a teacher, I taught children at a school for children with severe learning difficulties. I was in my early twenties, loved my career and the people who I was involved with. Those years will always remain special to me. Through social media I have been aware of a few of my former pupils. One in particular is now winning awards and is a role model for many.

Let me introduce Laura Green to you – us back then ……

     and now!     

Laura was 2 years old when she joined my nursery class. Back in those days we were allowed many trips in the community with the children. I found this photo of Laura with my sister Claire, on one of them.

I remember that Laura had a major heart operation not long after this photo was taken – a very real cause for concern.

Yet Laura fought on. I clearly remember her as a delightful little girl and a joy to have around.

From being her nursery teacher, I was then moved up to the Leavers Class in the school for 16 – 19 year old students. Much of the curriculum was based on living and social skills. I held a belief that I wanted my students to have work experience like those in mainstream schools. Why couldn’t they have a job one day? I used to appreciate the local businesses who helped me with this. Many commented that our pupils were less trouble and more useful than those from the local comprehensive school. I know that other people thought I was ridiculous.

Laura has proved that she is more than capable of working in a big way! Supported by her amazing mum, Yvonne, and the rest of her family, she set up a small business selling jewellery and handbags. This lead on to her having her on shop within ‘The Box’ at Halton Shopping Centre.  This was where I met her this week.

See her story on the BBC here

Earlier this year she also won a Halton Business Award for her business called Serendipity.

I am also aware that Laura and some of my former pupils are involved in the theatre company Ella.  Laura often is in the leading role, for example, she played Nancy in Oliver!

I was so pleased to see Laura on Monday – I had just nipped to the Shopping Centre on an errand with my brother, and thought I would have a coffee whilst I waited for him. I spotted her just finishing her lunch. I was delighted that she immediately recognised me. We caught up with the 11 years since I left the school. I do remember a few years ago I was out in Manchester with my mum at a concert – so was Laura and her mum!

People so often under-estimate those who are perceived to be different. Laura recalled much about her days in the nursery class and even the name of my son!

She told me that her Mum was picking her up soon because she was going to be having a drama lesson with a lady who was in the soap opera ‘Brookside’. She went on to say she also had singing lessons. Laura thought it was hilarious when I told her that when I was on holiday last year and joined in the entertainment at the hotel, I was selected to be in a singing competition. The only songs I could recall were all those from my nursery teaching days, like ‘The Wheels on the Bus’!

I could only be in awe when Laura continued to tell me that she is currently making a documentary and regularly gives keynote presentations. I told her that I also did about my books and we both agreed that we love standing up and speaking to groups. She is shortly to speak in a major conference abroad.

Me in 1991

My brother joined us for a while, then Yvonne, her mum, arrived. Some hugs are worth a thousand words. I look back on my naive years in the classroom. I hadn’t had my son at that time and based my advice to parents on my studies and family life with my little sister. I did what I thought was right then – if I was in the same role now I would have far more empathy and suggestions for those parents! I didn’t appreciate back then the very real challenges they faced. I thought that sleepless nights were an easy job of drink, bath, story and bed. Did I learn the hard way when I was a mother!

Laura in my nursery class

I do know that I loved the children and I hope that made me a good teacher. I did my best to ease the concerns of their parents, who left their child with my team and I, often for the first time since they were born. They would be brought to the classroom and cry loudly as their mum left. Within seconds of the door closing, the child would look for the nearest friend or toy and settle to playing. I would then send one of my assistants to run after mum and let them know. I didn’t want them to spend all day worried.

I know that over the years Laura has faced her physical health challenges, bullying and the discrimination that can go with her genetic condition. And just look at her now!

I feel so proud to have been her first teacher and honoured to know her. Many congratulations to her, her family and I wish her every success in the future.

In my previous blog, I was expressing my doubts at making a difference and the need to do other things to earn a living. Meeting Laura was so timely because she reminded me of what can be possible. This song is for her as a thank you, as I know it is one of her favourites.

So what is standing in your way of fulfilling your goals and ambition?

Elaine 🙂