From Young Carer to Changemaker: Neath Graduate’s Journey of Strength and Self-Discovery
For most students, graduation marks the end of a journey. For 25-year-old Karen Armitage from Neath, it’s the beginning of something far bigger — a life built not only on academic achievement, but on extraordinary compassion, resilience and quiet advocacy.
Last week, Karen graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Egyptology and Ancient History. But behind the cap and gown is a story of a young woman who spent much of her childhood supporting three generations of her family, while navigating undiagnosed dyslexia and personal health struggles.
Karen’s caregiving journey began when she was just nine, stepping in to support siblings while her parents faced ongoing mental health challenges. By her teens, she had taken on a near full-time role at home, including caring for her grandparents and helping her younger siblings through their autism diagnoses.
“By 15, I realised I was in charge of my household,” she said. “And I’ve really been in that role ever since.”
At school, academic challenges began to mount — exacerbated by a severe bout of glandular fever and the ongoing effects of what would later be diagnosed as dyslexia. Her diagnosis didn’t come until 2016, and Karen describes it as “the first time I felt truly seen.”
Despite setbacks, a seed of curiosity remained — especially for history. That spark was reignited during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Karen found the space to re-evaluate her future. She enrolled at Swansea University, where she’d previously volunteered at the Egypt Centre, and began to pursue her academic dream in earnest.
University life brought new purpose. Karen became a vocal advocate for inclusion, serving as a subject and school rep and helping to build support networks for fellow student carers. Her lived experience, she says, shaped everything.
“My brain naturally looks for ways to reduce stress for people who are often overlooked,” Karen said. “Everything I do is shaped by my role as a carer and by my siblings’ neurodivergence.”
She now plans to pursue a master’s degree in public history and heritage, alongside her work as a Part-Time Officer at the Students’ Union — a role through which she hopes to strengthen access, visibility, and belonging for students from all walks of life.
Karen also shares credit with those who’ve grown alongside her. “Mum and I are more of a team now,” she said. “And I’m so proud of her for stepping up while I’m at university.”
“Being the first in my direct family to graduate is something I’m deeply proud of. But the best part is seeing the opportunities my siblings now have. While I missed out on a lot in childhood, I’m so grateful to see them live theirs fully.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Sleeping rough to shaping reform — one Swansea graduate’s extraordinary journey
Mark Eaton-Lees shares how Swansea University helped him transform homelessness into advocacy and achievement.
University Egypt Centre wins major funding boost to improve facilities
The museum where Karen volunteered receives significant support to expand access and engagement.
Student mural celebrates nature at abandoned farm-turned woodland
Illustration student Ellie Jones brings Brynau Farm’s biodiversity to life through art and conservation.
Last year, during NAIDOC week, I was working with a “difficult” student (according to the school/teachers).
Diagnosed with #ASD, #ADHD, #Dysgraphia, #Dyslexia, & #Dyscalculia, they were facing immense challenges.
Challenges like bullying, feeling inadequate and "stupid", and being so disengaged that they were close to leaving the school system.
#NeurodiversityAffirming #TraumaInformedApproach #InclusiveEducation
2/8
DuckDuckFedi (please boost, this is a mutualaid request)
Do any one of you certify or know someone who certifies as a fellow, associate, or educator in the Orton-Gillingham Method (an approach used to tutor students with dyslexia) who is willing to tutor me (a third-world living tutor that earns 35 dollars a month from the student I'm helping) in the OG way? I'm trying to tutor a kid with dyslexia and would like to learn the ethical and methodological ways of doing so.
I'm willing to pay you the full 35 dollars a month that i earn, I'm trying to help the kid and get trained at the same time.
Tags: #Dyslexia #edutooter #education #literacy #boost #MutualAid #MutualAidRequest
Today I got up and dressed and left the house early.. I had my laser appointment at 9.30am, and then was attending an art show at Girrawaa Aboriginal Art Centre.
...except that my laser appointment is tomorrow morning.
...and the art show is on Saturday.
I don't think my dyslexia and dyscalculia has ever so thoroughly kicked my arse before.
_____
*Girrawaa is the Aboriginal Art Centre at Bathurst prison. They're having an art show to showcase the art work of some of the people in prison there. There are going to be framed and unframed works available for sale.
The proceeds from the sales goes to the artist, with 20% being kept by the centre to purchase art supplies (paint, canvases, materials etc) for the artists to use in the centre.
If you're in the area, it's definitely worth checking out!
Finally sent off the draft annual charity report to the other trustees, with lots of red text marking the bits I want them to fill in.
And yes that does include their full legal names, my spell checker can't handle those and neither can my dyslexic brain; it takes me ages to check names. (Having to type in email addresses is worse.)
I'm looking for #neurodivergent people for an interview study on how they experience #gaming in public spaces – specifically in the zkm_gameplay exhibition at ZKM, #Karlsruhe.
What to expect:
– a ~60 min conversation, online or in Karlsruhe
– €20 compensation + free exhibition entry
Eligibility:
– 18+ years old, primary residence in Germany
– #Neurodivergence (e.g. #ADHD, #Autism, #dyslexia); no diagnosis required
– Have visited the zkm_gameplay exhibition
More info: https://hci.iar.kit.edu/467.php
Why It's Important To Embrace Neurodiversity In The Workplace (And How To Do It Effectively)
www.forbes.com/councils/for...
#Research
#Neurodivergent
#Neurodiversity
#Employment
#Workplace
#HiddenDisability
#Dyslexia
#Autism
#ADHD
#AuDHD
#Dysgraphia
#Dyspraxia
#Dyscalculia
#OCD
Why It's Important To Embrace ...
'Neurodiversity inclusion starts with the job interviews'
www.fastcompany.com/91111139/neu...
#Neurodivergent
#Neurodiversity
#Employment
#Workplace
#HiddenDisability
#Dyslexia
#Autism
#ADHD
#AuDHD
#Dysgraphia
#Dyspraxia
#Dyscalculia
#OCD
Neurodiversity inclusion start...