A learner from Port Talbot gained the confidence to make decisions about her future on her own terms after careers support helped her explore her options while managing health challenges and life as a deaf young person.
At the start of Year 11, Erin O’Keefe, 16, felt under pressure to plan her next steps. At the same time, she was attending hospitals, undergoing medical investigations and trying to decide what came next after school.“The past year was hectic for me,” Erin said. “I went through several hospitals and medical investigations. Then at the start of Year 11, I felt like I had some sort of timer.“I didn’t have a clue what to do. I felt like there was pressure on me to go to college. But I wanted it to be my decision, on my own terms.”Erin is deaf and proud of who she is, but she says there are still challenges people do not always see.
“Being deaf is the norm for me,” she said. “People don’t always see me as deaf because I speak well and my implants aren’t obvious.” “I am still deaf. I am still disabled. I miss conversations, especially in group settings. Sometimes I get left out without people realising.
”Wanting support to explore her future, Erin met with Debbie Devonald, a Careers Wales adviser based at her school.“She was very easy to talk to,” Erin said. “She said she saw a lot of students just like me.”Together, they explored Erin’s interests, including art and English, and discussed the different pathways available after school. Through ongoing conversations, Erin became more confident in her choices and realised she didn’t need to have everything figured out straight away.To help Erin plan her next steps, Debbie worked alongside her school, family and additional learning needs teams to ensure colleges understood her communication and support needs.Through her discussions with Debbie, Erin began thinking about how her own experiences could shape her future career. After delivering an English presentation about deafness in Year 10, she realised she wanted to support other deaf young people.“I want to become some sort of deaf therapist — someone who understands and helps teenagers build confidence,” Erin said.As they explored potential career pathways, Erin learned that sociology and health and social care A levels could help her work towards that goal.“You can imagine my glee when I found out they were a perfect step,” she said. “Debbie suggested them as options. I then did my own research with my mother and visited the college.”Erin has now applied to study sociology, health and social care, and fine art A levels and feels positive about the future.
“Before, I thought I’d just do anything and end up with nothing to do with my life. It was miserable. Debbie helped me realise I didn’t have to make one decision that sets everything. Now I’m excited about what’s next.” “I don’t let my deafness hold me back,” she added. “And I want other deaf young people to know they don’t have to either.”If a young person is unsure about their next step, support is available. Whether they are considering university, an apprenticeship, training or employment, Working Wales can help them explore their options and understand what comes next. Advice and guidance are available by phone, email and webchat. Young people can also access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Cari, the Careers Wales virtual assistant, who can help them find information, explore their options and navigate the Working Wales website.
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