Morgan excitedly jumps up to fetch her lanyard. It’s rainbow-coloured and proudly holds her name tag with the title ‘Ambassador for Inclusion and Diversity’ of her local High School.
“It was a big surprise, because I didn’t know I was going to be one of the ambassadors”,
she says with a smile and explains that she was approached by her teacher to become part of a team of remarkable ambassadors, each with a colourful lanyard representing important areas such as anti-bullying.
Even though, Morgan only started the position during summer term, she has already had discussions with teachers about the importance of inclusion and diversity at her school, participated in the interview process for the new SEN (Special Educational Needs) lead and welcomed year 6 pupils on their first transition day. Whilst Morgan confirms that she is still adjusting to this new role, she says it feels natural to her.
“It’s great to be recognised for my condition and my personality at school.”
Luckily, it’s not all hard work, there are also certain benefits. “I am able to get out of lessons.” says Morgan amused. English and Maths are her most convenient subjects to miss; however, she would never give up her seat during a Geography lesson.
Most recently, Morgan completed a 12-week course at Royal Bolton Hospital which she very much enjoyed. Here, she provided a helping hand wherever needed, for example to tidy up the Memorial Garden ready for the summer months. However, it was seeing people giving and receiving help that inspired her the most. So much so, that she would like to do the same for others when she is older.
One day, Morgan excitedly reveals, she was on the children’s ward and volunteered herself as a model to demonstrate how a plaster cast is fixed to a broken arm. Still sporting her new accessory at the school gates, Morgan mischievously remembers the expression of horror on her mum’s face at pick-up time. “I thought the school hadn’t rung me,” says Katie (Morgan’s mum), trying to explain the millions of thoughts racing through her mind at the time, whilst Morgan giggles friskily. Even after Morgan had disclosed the prank, did her dad insist on thoroughly checking the arm. Oh, the mess it made when they removed the cast at home!
Despite all the responsibility and joy the ambassador role brings, there is also a very personal element that fills Morgan with pride, and rightly so.
“I am quite proud of myself because I am getting noticed. At High School, I am getting more recognised and there are more activities I can do.”
Similarly, her friends and family have commented on how Morgan has changed and how confident she has become. “She has always loved school. I was terrified at the start of High School but it really suits her. It is nice to actually see her being included. I am so proud of how well she is doing,” says her mum. Morgan has already set the greatest example as an Ambassador for Inclusion and Diversity for herself, and we are sure there are many more successes to come.
Morgan is 14 years old and has MPS I Hurler. Reflecting on her experience and accomplishments, she has some very powerful advice to share:
“Make sure you believe in yourself, make sure you achieve everything you want in your life and don’t let any bad people control you.”
One day after we caught up with Morgan, she was the proud recipient of the ‘Nurture Homework Club Award’ at the final school year assembly with both her parents gleaming with pride, and so are we.
