Starting high school is meant to be exciting - but for me, it was a very different lesson.
Before High School - A Different Kind of Learning
I attended a primary school that catered for students with disabilities.
It focused more on therapies and independence than on education.
Socially, I wasn’t thriving. Most of my friendships existed because we shared a disability — not because of true connection.
My parents saw my educational potential and didn’t want me to miss out. My mother was determined to give me the best possible education, so my parents decided I would attend my local high school — and I was thrilled.
When the school community heard that I wasn’t going to the special school, most people from my primary school expected me to fail.
Finally, I could just be me — not the girl with a disability.
For the first time, I wanted people to see me - not my wheelchair.
Every new chapter begins with a blank page- and a little hope
The First Day - Reality Hits
I didn’t have any concerns about high school until the first day.
Stepping through those gates, I realised everyone already had their own friends.
It was the first time I felt completely different.
Here I was, in a wheelchair, surrounded by peers standing in tight groups — and I didn’t know anyone.
One of my cousins was a grade above me, but my parents made it clear that she had her own life and that I needed to find my own place.
There was no teacher’s aide beside me, no familiar face to fall back on.
It was the first time I’d ever been truly alone.
The Buddy System - Feeling Like a Burden
The school set up a buddy system to help me navigate the school.
But instead of helping me belong, it made me feel like I was being babysat.
I could tell my peers saw me as a responsibility, not a friend.
I didn’t want that kind of friendship — the kind built out of obligation.
Every move I made felt watched.
If I dressed like my peers, people questioned me.
If I earned good grades, they whispered about favouritism.
I didn’t have the courage to speak up.
It was sad, because I could see the potential for real friendships with some of the buddies — but the way the school handled it made that difficult.
Sometimes inclusion can feel more like isolation
Sometimes inclusion can feel more like isolation
Connection takes time - real friendship can’t be assigned
What No One Saw - The Academic Struggle
Most people assumed I was doing fine.
But the truth was, I was struggling academically — still catching up on basics while trying to manage a full workload.
Behind my smile was exhaustion, confusion, and a quiet determination to prove I belonged.
When I did earn good grades, I was judged harshly by my peers.
I tried to handle everything myself — not being completely honest with my parents about how much I was struggling.
I feared they would take me out and enrol me back at the special school.
There was no way I was going to let the people who didn’t believe in me win.
I wasn’t lazy - I was learning twice as hard to keep up
Behind the smile was hard work, late nights and determination to belong
When Things Started to Change
It took months — and persistence — for the Department of Education to approve a full-time teacher’s aide.
Once that support was in place, everything began to shift.
The buddy system faded out, and I started finding my own way — talking with peers in my classes.
Slowly, friendships formed naturally — not because someone was told to include me, but because they wanted to.
Managing my workload became easier.
For the first time, I began to feel like I belonged.
Real inclusion happens when support gives you freedom - not limits
Reflection - What Learned
That experience taught me so much about the power of genuine connection and the difference the right support can make.
I realised that inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about creating space for people to be themselves.
Inclusion isn’t about doing everything for us - it’s about doing everything with us
After every storm, there’s a moment where the light breaks through.
Finding My Voice Online
Sharing this part of my story took me years — but it’s one of the reasons I started Challenges Behind Acceptance.
I wanted to create a space where students, parents, and teachers could see the real side of transition — the parts that don’t always make it into reports or glossy school brochures.
On Instagram @challengesbehindacceptance, I share small moments, reflections, and stories like this one — not to focus on struggle, but to show what acceptance really looks like in action.
Behind every post is a story — and behind every story is a student who deserves to be seen.”
Behind every post is a story + and behind every story is a student who deserves to be seen.
Closing Message
If you’re a student starting high school, a parent supporting your child, or a teacher welcoming new faces — know this:
Belonging takes time.
Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one act of kindness, or one person who chooses to see you.
💬 Call to Action:
👉 Have you or your child had a similar experience? I’d love to hear your story — email me at candice@challenges-behind-acceptance share it below, or join the conversation over on Instagram at @challengesbehindacceptance. 💛
Candice
- Challenges Behind Acceptance
From student to storyteller - still shining a light on real inclusion
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