Linda Harrison
Regional award winner
Linda struggled to follow school lessons due to hearing loss and undiagnosed dyslexia. She became an easy target for bullies.
At 16 Linda went to study catering, but again with no learning support. She went through mental health problems and did not complete the course. Linda then had some positive counselling. 
She gained employment at local workshops for the blind, met and married her husband and had her first child. She enrolled at York College and achieved GCSE English and Maths, then AS Accountancy and A Level Sociology. After volunteering at a local playgroup Linda also achieved Level 3 Child Care and Education. Recognising her skills and academic ability, tutors encouraged her to study to degree level.
Linda works for the playgroup and Pre-school Learning Alliance and will graduate in 2012. She is an inspiration to any young person who has multiple challenges and feels life is impossible to manage. Linda says: 'It is OK to be different, just go at the pace you are happy with and never be afraid to ask for help'.
Yorkshire & Humber Adult Learners' Week is coordinated by Involve Yorkshire & Humber. Adult Learners' Week Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the life-changing learning done by people in communities all over Yorkshire and Humber, and the central role of the voluntary and community sector in supporting learning.
'It is OK to be different, just go at the pace you are happy with and never be afraid to ask for help'.
Nominated by
Sue Christie
York College
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