This piece was written by Nikki Edwards for Mental Health Matters as part of their partnership with ParaPride on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025.
I was told people like me didn’t go to university, I was told I was not bright enough and reminded all too often that my best wasn’t good enough.
I never wanted anyone to feel like I did – I was alone, not worthy of support, and a problem, a problem without potential.
I went to university to prove my family and teachers wrong – I wanted to be an example of a neurodivergent person achieving in higher education but in truth, it took me a while to thrive.
The journey was isolating but my determination and resilience meant I graduated with 2:2.
The transition to employment was fraught with challenges but I wouldn’t be where I am today without them – I have worked with neurodiverse and disabled people for over 20 years determined to make sure they didn’t go through what I did.
I have learnt that being honest, authentically me – imperfections and all – is more than good enough
