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Loyalist College ECE Student Recognized as a Difference Maker by Rick Hansen

November 03, 2011

This week Leah Bunnett, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) student at Loyalist College, was given a very special opportunity. Leah was a medal bearer for Rick Hansen, joining him in the Tyendinaga segment of his 25th anniversary cross-country relay celebrating people who make a difference.  The celebration marks a quarter century from when he completed his round-the-world Man in Motion wheelchair marathon in support of spinal cord injury research. “Rick Hansen has always been one of my biggest role models and inspirations,” Leah said. “It meant so much for me to meet him in person and have him present me with this medal.”

Leah is determined and passionate about life, refusing to let her wheelchair define her. “Ever since I was in grade nine I knew that I wanted to work in the field of Early Childhood Education. My family was always very supportive of my decision but others were hesitant – they felt that my being in a wheelchair would hinder my choice. One of my high school guidance counsellors arranged for me to do a co-op at Little Rascals Daycare. I loved it – my decision was made.

“Before choosing Loyalist I visited the College’s Disability Services Office. They were so positive, kind and compassionate. They have continued to show that support now that I am a student and have helped me to overcome many challenges and find alternate ways to do things.”

Wanting to completely embrace the college experience, Leah chose to live in residence during her first year. “It was the first time that I had lived away from home and it was awesome. The residence staff went out of their way for me and if I was struggling with any aspect of my living environment they were there to help me. My roommates were great and I am sure that I will be lifelong friends with some of them.”

 

Leah describes herself as a visual person and attributes much of her success in the ECE program to this learning style. “Our faculty use a variety of teaching methods to help us develop the skills we need – then we are able to apply these various concepts in the daycare setting. I have the additional advantage of applying these approaches at my job at Little Rascals where I continue to work on a part-time basis. This helps me understand the things that work best for me. My greatest joy is when I am with the children and can actually see how I am making a difference in their lives. My instructors tell me that my positive attitude stands out and will help me achieve my goals.”

Pam Elliott, a director at Little Rascals, spoke of the positive impact that Leah has had on her co-workers and the children at the daycare. “Leah has taught us much more with her gentle, compassionate attitude than we could ever hope to teach her. The children in the daycare have gained so much by knowing her – they don’t see the chair, they see the person Leah is. She is amazing and will without question make an excellent childcare provider.”

“Loyalist has given me the confidence to believe that I do not have to take no for an answer,” Leah added. “I can do the things that I want to – perhaps in a different way – but I can find those ways and make my dreams happen.”

Click for information about Loyalist’s Early Childhood Education program and the College’s Disability Services.

 

 

 

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