A few months ago I started working as a teaching assistant for children with additional needs in a secondary school nurture department, and discovered a love for helping young people especially embrace life despite the disadvantages that May have been thrown their way. In this position I provided support for a student with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting both physical and mental development. She required support with toileting, walking and various other physical activities, and I also assisted her general learning by preparing appropriate activities for her stage of development. She also experienced short seizures. When she was not in school, or I was requested elsewhere by my oversight, I also assisted with other students in the class, including students with autism, behavioural challenges and a few students with no specific diagnosis. In addition, I have worked in general childcare (both paid and voluntary) for over 5 years, and in that capacity have also occasionally supported other children with autism, Down Syndrome and ADHD. I'm currently looking for temporary positions over the next few weeks until returning to my school position, at which time I will be interested in work outside of school hours.