Holly Gallacher
)
About Me:
My name is Holly (she/her), and I have a spinal disease called Scheuermann’s Idiopathic Hyper kyphosis, which has since caused Scoliosis and Lordosis. These are curves in my spine. I have had four spinal surgeries since 2017, and I am waiting to have a fifth one as soon as I am mentally and physically able to. The problems with my back started when I was 12, and I was finally diagnosed 2 years later. I have always been passionate about sharing my experiences and through living with Scheuermann’s disease, through being a Disability Ambassador along with my Instagram awareness account, in hopes that it would help people feel less alone with this rare disease!
My course and my studies:
I am currently studying towards a Modern Languages Bachelor’s degree! I study two languages: Spanish and Japanese. As part of my degree, I will (hopefully!) do my year abroad in Japan. I did a Humanities foundation year, where I also got to do a module in British Sign Language. During my first year of my degree, I also took a module in Introduction to Translation Studies, along with a Japanese culture Module, which I have really enjoyed.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course is how satisfying it is to get the grammar and structure correct when giving an answer! The feeling of all the pieces fitting together, like a puzzle!
Adjustments:
I get extra time, both for the exam and for rest breaks, I am allowed to bring a pillow into my exams and take them in a smaller room and I am also allowed to have a more comfortable chair to support my back.
Support at UEA:
During my foundation year, I had an advisor who was such a key part of the support I received. She always did her best to help even though she did not specialise in Languages. I also received frequent check in calls from Resident Life while I lived on Campus.
My journey to UEA:
Originally, I planned to go to a different university, but because I had my fourth spinal surgery 3 months before I had to take my a-level exams, I did not meet the entry requirements for that University. UEA kept their offer, and it made me feel like they wanted me at this university despite my difficulties, and so I chose UEA instead! After I decided to go to UEA, I attended an open day and that is where I met the person who then became my advisor. She was so helpful in explaining all about the foundation year, and she talked me through any doubts I had about starting university as a disabled person. When I started at UEA, I met the disability officer, contacted Resident Life and found out Joy was my advisor. At the end of my foundation year, I got to pick the degree pathway, where I chose a Double Honours Modern Languages Degree. Despite not making the entry requirements, the head of Japanese advocated for me to be allowed to take the language, to which I am incredibly grateful.
What would I have done differently?
If I started university again, I would be braver to confide in my lecturers and be brave about emailing for help. I felt too anxious to go into seminars, and I didn’t want to email to ask not to be asked questions in front of the rest of the class because I was scared that I’d be judged, so I didn’t ask until practically the end of the year, if I was brave earlier, I would’ve attended so many more lectures.
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
I wish I knew there is no shame in starting university a few years after you finish college. People of all ages go to university, so you don’t have to feel like it is too late and you will not fit in.
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
I have a lot of hobbies! I love reading, knitting, writing letters to my family, video games (like Pokémon and Super Mario games) and filming and editing videos. I also have an Instagram account where I use it as a virtual diary, along with another that I use to spread awareness of my disability. I have been part of the Disabled Students society, Knitting and Crocheting Society, Ghost Hunt society and Geek Soc! Next year I hope to join new societies too! I will be the vice president for the Language and Communication Studies Society and the Disabled Students Society.
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
I have so many favourite things about both Norwich and UEA. For UEA, I love getting a honeycomb latte at Unio, as well as studying on the third floor of the library, with the view of the campus. For Norwich, I love how easy it is to get to places on the buses, I love the forum library with the coffee shop, and I love the food at the market!
My future plans are...
I am not fully sure what I want to do after I complete my degree at UEA. I may do a master's degree. I would love to try teaching English as a foreign language one day. Now, I am just focusing on doing my degree, I have plenty of time to figure out my plan after that.