hi everyone

[kiattia]

Hi there, I'm a long time lurker of the SN board but am only just now brave enough to post (after some encouragement from Riven ).

Anyway, my name is Catherine and I'm 19. I have congenital muscular dystrophy with severe scoliosis, which means I use a powered wheelchair full time and need 24 hour care. I'm just about to start my second year at university with 3 carers from a volunteer organisation called CSV. It was pretty scary and needed a lot of organising for me to move away from home, but I think it has been good for me as I am way more independent. Plus I am, for the most part, having a brilliant time!

So, that's all I can think to tell you right now but if you have any questions about me or anything vaguely related, then post away!

Just want to say welcome to the board :)

Thanks for the welcome :)

Your welcome :) I have absolutley no useful questions to ask.. But I'll bet my bottom dollar your studying something far far more clever than I did ( fine art here lol and yes I know it was a cop out course).

kiattia, welcome and congratulations on having passed your first year at University.

Welcome and what you give us is hope shows us what can be achevied that's something we all enjoy

Aww thankyou Starlight, that's so nice of you to say :). You're right, the systems definitely suck (mildest word I can think of right now!) but at the moment I can say all the battles against them have been worth it (for now, until the next funding battle comes along). When I graduate, I hope to get a charity/advocacy job and change the system - optimistic/idealistic I know, but I reckon the best way to change it is from the inside!

Please, if I can help or advise any of you on anything, just let me know - I'm more than happy to help.

Thanks to Lougie and roundthebend who posted when I was writing :)

Arsenic, I'm studying English Language, so not that intellectual (8 contact hours a week, so tonnes of time for watching tv....er....studying!)

now there is a subject I can't even dream of studying, therefore tis clever..:)

Hi Kiattia-welcome to the board! How are you enjoying your course?
Glad you posted on here! You have made me smile

Waiting: yes my course is great for the most part :) obviously there's areas I don't like but I think you get that with everything!

Justabout: (great name btw!) I'm not the girl who wrote on the Ouch website but I am at the same uni as her. I did apply to do the blogs but I got rejected :(

Welcome to the board! My names Wooly and Im an addict.....to MN of course...and maybe wine. :)