Georgia Miggins has set her sights on becoming a music therapy teacher and being a positive role model for young people with additional learning needs like herself.

Overcoming a series of challenges during her education, Georgia is now flourishing. Currently working towards Level 1 Essential Skills Qualifications, she sings with Rock Choir, achieving a Grade 5 singing certificate and hopes to progress to Grade 8 to support her teaching ambition.

Having represented Learning Disability Wales on the Welsh Youth Parliament at the age of 17, Georgia is a Voices Council member for Mencap, the youngest Learning Disability Wales trustee and a volunteer for two West Glamorgan Regional Partnership boards, which aim to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Diagnosed with autism, learning difficulties and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of four, she struggled with anxiety due to bullying at primary school.

However, she thrived at Ysgol Pen y Bryn where she was head girl and a School Council member. Soon realising that a traditional college path didn’t suit her, she feared there wouldn’t be anything for her until she started an Essential Skills class with Swansea Lifelong Learning who helped her regain her confidence and motivation.

“I love learning, gaining knowledge on different topics and developing new skills,” said Georgia. “It shows that there are other ways to get qualifications, and it’s good to have people who believe in you because sometimes people are underestimated.”

“I want to be a positive role model and inspire other people with additional learning needs to access the same opportunities I’ve had.” “My story shows that things will not always be easy but it’s important to keep believing in yourself. Never let people’s opinions, presumptions or stereotypes determine your success. My motto is Believe it! Achieve it!” Karen Ward, Swansea Lifelong Learning Service.

Essential Skills Tutor, describes Georgia as an “amazing ambassador” predicting a bright future for her. “Georgia is set to become a trailblazer in her pursuit of making a difference for others like herself,” she said. “Whilst she recognises her own difficulties, she embraces challenges with positivity and enthusiastically forges ahead, not for personal gain, but with a determination to make life better for others.”