Gabrielle was inspired after a rare diagnosis halted her career plans.
A rare diagnosis
From a young age, Gabrielle had wanted to be a marine biologist. But aged just 15, she was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis and arthritis. Speaking about her diagnosis, Gabrielle, who lives in Newport, said: “I didn’t know where to go from there.”
Adapting career plans
It was this feeling that prompted Gabrielle to see her school’s careers adviser from Careers Wales, Dave Phillips. They looked together at potential career options that would be suitable for Gabrielle and would not compromise her health.
Gabrielle completed the buzz quiz on the Careers Wales website, explored her interests and looked at her GCSEs. Dave was able to support Gabrielle to realise that physiotherapy was an option for her.
She said: “I was inspired after realising what my physiotherapist could do to help me. I realised I wanted to use my experience to provide this same support to others.”
Next steps
Dave helped Gabrielle to determine what grades and subjects she needed. He supported her with getting into college to study applied sciences. A while after she had started her course, Dave got in touch to see how Gabrielle was getting on.
Gabrielle said: “When Dave reached out to me, it was really nice to hear from him. But I told him I wasn’t happy with my course, I knew it wasn’t the right thing for me.
“We then looked together at other options and this is when Dave suggested Aspirations.”
Dave helped Gabrielle explore how she could gain qualifications, work experience and the skills she would need through the Job Growth Wales Plus programme, he introduced her to a local training provider, Aspirations.
After an initial discussion with an Aspirations representative, Gabrielle realised this was the right path for her.
She said: “Hearing about how others facing similar barriers to me but had achieved their ambitions, was enough to encourage me to apply.”
A hopeful future
Gabrielle is now settled happily into her healthcare course.
Reflecting on the support she’d had, Gabrielle said: “Dave was there for me. He helped me to realise I was capable. He showed me what my next steps would be and the support was amazing.
“I’d have been clueless without him and wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Providing advice to others in a similar situation, she added: “Take the opportunity to seek advice and support if you can.
“Careers Wales has supported me to be where I am now. They made me feel capable and valued. I’m so much more confident in myself.
“Once you’ve got that, you’ll never look back.”
If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.