Nazish Sikander
Nazish, who has achondroplasia, more commonly known as dwarfism, refused to let her disability stand in her way and graduated with a PGCE in 2016.
“I want to inspire students with special educational needs and disabilities to chase their dreams and not limit themselves because of what others perceive them as,” she said. “Some things are more achievable than others but if I hadn't overcome them myself I wouldn't be where I am today.”
Nazish’s height did present some challenges, as it limited her reach to high objects such as the whiteboard.
Not to be deterred, Nazish, found equipment that would connect an electronic tablet to a projector allowing her to teach from anywhere in the room.
“Worcester gave me the chance to prove to the world I can become a good enough teacher as any other,” she said. “My subject tutor encouraged me and built up my confidence in my ability to teach and guided me to fulfil my dreams. My ultimate goal always lies in special needs and it was lovely to teach a group of 10 students all with different needs from autism to visual impairments and even disabilities such as Down's syndrome. By the end of my placement I had grown a great bond with them.”
After completing her course, Nazish has gone on to teach at Hodge Hill Girls’ School in Birmingham.