Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 24 July 2008

A CROSBY VILLA woman is determined not to allow her disability get in the way of her education.

Ana Crome, who has had limited mobility since birth and finds it difficult to get around without the help of a wheelchair, loves working with children and is facing the future with renewed optimism after completing a college course.

She has been taking part in the Aimhigher programme at Lakes College West Cumbria, Lillyhall, which helps young people into further education and now has her sights on a performing arts course, with the aim of becoming a drama teacher.

Ana, 18, said: “I never thought I was intelligent enough to study at a university. I passed all my GCSEs but it never occurred to me that I could go on to study at a higher level.

“Last year I started on a one-year national diploma course in health and social care at Lakes College.

“I then began a work placement at Allonby Primary School where I shadowed the teaching assistant.

“I just love it and it made me realise how much I love working with children and that it was a career I would like to explore.

“I know there’s still a long way to go but now I’m finally on the right path and, bit by bit, I know I’ll get there.

“I’ve always been interested in performing arts and I think drama is a great medium to help people with disabilities and special needs.

“I’ve read about situations where drama is used as a therapy with children to help them with their communication skills.

“From the little experience I’ve had so far, I love helping the children try new things and I get a real buzz when you see them do something for the first time. I can’t think of any other career that could be so rewarding.

“Children are so honest and funny and easy to work with, there’s no pretence.”

Pamela Mattinson, of Aimhigher West Cumbria, said: “Ana is an inspiration to all young people in West Cumbria.

“She has overcome obstacles in her personal life and her physical limitations have not restricted her achievements both academically and socially.

“She has thrived in an adult environment and is popular with both staff and pupils, so much so that she was chosen to appear in the recent Lakes College television advert.”