"Ambition sans Frontières!"
My experiences of work-life, studying journalism with Ability Today and some exciting news...
Hello to all aspiring - or retiring - minds,
For the best experience, I’d recommend reading this blog in your web browser.
I’ll preface this to say that I’m sorry for any perceived silent treatment. I’ve been busy sitting exams (Media Law was rough), working through the Olympic-year frenzy and growing extra arms to pursue everything I want to. Please read to the end if you have time, or come back to it when you do. I’m throwing off the inverted pyramid of news reporting in favour of a long hook, because treasure awaits and suspense is fun…
My purpose for writing today is to let people know that Ability Today’s Academy for Disabled Journalists is currently accepting applications for this year’s Certificate in Foundation Journalism course, offered in partnership with the NCTJ. It’s the perfect starting point to embark upon a career in journalism and applications close on the 16th of May, so please share this opportunity around and act quickly. I’m hoping a little dive into personal history and my own experience with the Academy will help persuade you
Through a Forest Darkly
We all need a path, a purpose. I’ve never innately known my life’s vocation but I fear free-floating aimlessly. I took degrees in English Literature to keep my options open, figuring that so many things boil down to communication, to language. Literature is a bedrock of intersection and empathy. To me, books are gateways into infinite realms, topics and perspectives. They’re also fun. It may seem idealistic, but I hold this belief in the capacity of the written word to be a fundamental Truth. Capital T.
My university experience was a see-saw of high-achievement and rock-bottom health. An ordeal to say the least, and I had to place my masters dissertation on bed rest for a time. When the deep freeze of the Covid-19 pandemic eased I craved stability: a normal, regular job that allowed time and energy for amateur pursuits. I accepted one with steady hours and an easy commute. The wrong one.
Hard-Knock Worklife
Succinctly, I eventually had no choice but to quit. I’ve generally been fortunate when it comes to my mental health, but it was impacted by this negative workplace encounter far more than it had been by any near-death experience or life-changing physiological event to date.
I’ve always feared being perceived as unreliable rather than simply unwell, and it felt like my worst nightmare had been realised. I cocooned within my staunch home support system, sought some counselling and slowly crawled out. It took time. But it was during this period that I came across Ability Today’s Academy for Disabled Journalists, during a webinar about intersectionality in the media. Yes that is the kind of thing I attend for fun.
A window, a door
Applications for the Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ) were open. I’d flirted with the idea of journalism before, and my friend-teacher-idol M had suggested it, but I’d never jumped. Now I did, and received the YES I desperately needed. From the introductory session the Ability Today team, Grant and Sarah, NCTJ staff and course Tutor Mark said all the right words. About how excited they were to help us succeed, how determined to crack open the field to underrepresented voices, about all the support and opportunities they were willing and eager to offer us, and how much they believed in our capabilities. I felt an overwhelming tide of relief.
Almost two years later, all these promises have been fulfilled and then some. I’ve completed my CFJ, enjoyed numerous masterclasses with industry professionals, received all the pep-talks and accommodations I’ve needed, learned new skills, renewed my confidence, progressed to the Diploma in Journalism, attended inspiring events, been supported through grief and re-discovered a sense of purpose. Most importantly, I’ve been welcomed into the most incredible community of disabled talents, allies and activists. What a gift. You never know what’s on the other side of a door until you push it open.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road
They say a change is as good as a rest. In the past two years I’ve moved into freelancing, working on a part-time, self-employed basis in areas I enjoy. I make time to pursue journalism, fulfil my care needs and volunteer. As attractive as regular hours and income might be, I’ve realised that what I need more than stability is passion in what I’m doing.
That may sound like a privileged stance given the current economy and cost of living crisis, but fulfilment will always be imperative to the human condition. The widespread unavoidability of settling in a miserable position for the sake of survival is a quiet tragedy of modern life. So too is the inability to make a viable living from many creative vocations. Pursuing your joys anyway becomes a radical act. In all of the valuable encounters the Ability Today team have facilitated for us students, ranging from masterclasses with leading professionals to access to industry events and conferences, a genuine love for the job has been a common thread.
Having a sincere purpose has fuelled my productivity. Studying for my CFJ gave me the impetus to complete my MLitt dissertation and graduate. Knowing that applications for the Diploma in Journalism were open gave me the push to complete my CFJ and move straight into the next progression. Competence, confidence, contentment - can all be built brick by brick.
To anyone at a crossroads, debating two (or more) roads diverging in a wood, I’d say: if studying with Ability Today and the Academy for Disabled Journalists is one of the options open to you, do it. You don’t need a degree or heaps of experience, you simply need a voice and genuine drive to succeed. You have everything to gain. All possible support will be at your back, and there’s no time like the present.
(I know the word procrastination is in my pen-name but please give me a little hypocritical grace. I’m chivvied like nothing so much as a deadline and there’s just two days left on this one!)
Hopefully someone reading this clinks one of the links I’ve peppered throughout, and shares it to a friend or to strangers on another screen.
Race to Paris!
We arrive at the carrot I dangled under your nose a few hundred words ago… drumroll please…
I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I will be travelling to Paris for the 2024 Paralympics, to represent Ability Today and cover the games as an accredited member of the media. I’m still giddy with it. You can read further about Ability Today success stories and my upcoming trip in Ian Burrell’s media column for i here
It’s almost as daunting as it is exciting. I’ve arranged travel and accommodation, and have started listening to some French tapes (je ne suis pas bon en languages). There’s a lot to prepare and learn, and I still have several diploma exams to sit before the end of Summer, including one next week - wish me luck! I will do my best to document the process of getting Paris-prepped as well as the games themselves, and I’d love for people to come along for the ride by engaging with the updates and letting me know what they’re most looking forward to during this Paralympics.
Finally, an image to link in with the title:
It’s a message of encouragement from M, who was once characteristically more excited about a gift I brought back from Morocco having been wrapped in a French-language newspaper than she was about the gift itself. The joy of international news! The message reads:
‘You are what our nations need… courage and ambition sans frontiers!! Congratulations! I’m full of admiration!! Thanks. Xx’
I think M would be sending me something similar now. Ambition without borders. That’s what Ability Today is all about. If you’re still on the fence about applying, know that your voice matters and can make a difference in the world. Nations need you too.
Thank you for reading. More anon,
Dot x