BEX 'N' BEE

BEX

Hey everyone! I'm Bex. 

I was born in 1992. In 2017 I was diagnosed with an extreme anxiety disorder, then in 2018 I was diagnosed with PTSD. Eventually I was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in 2020. I'm currently going through my ADHD assessment... I just need to find my paperwork. 

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Growing up I always felt different, like I was on the outside looking in. My family was amazing and big so I guess I was never bothered about fitting in with other children. 

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In primary school I remember being told off a lot for being a 'smart-ass' or a 'know-it-all' by the teachers. There were also many occasions when I was accused of not being sensitive enough, or for not understanding when someone was upset or mad etc. I distinctly remember thinking that understanding other people was exhausting at about 8 years old. Little did I know it would only get harder. I'm still waiting for Scotty to beam me up!

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Secondary school was literal hell. Hormones, ASD, learning and other kids being bullies what could go wrong right?! I always had small groups of friends but for the most part I never felt like I fit in with any of them or could ever truly relate to them. I was well behaved for the most part, although I was easily influenced to do the wrong things as well. I can't say I was always led I think I looked for the experiences as well. The bullies were relentless for the day I stepped through the schools doors and the teachers weren't exactly on the ball or at times even bothered. Once or twice a teacher would even join in with the bullying, just to shake it up a little. I'm dyslexic and there were a few teachers who took great joy in making the children who struggled to read read aloud whilst the whole class would either giggle or butt in and tell you the word aggressively. Good times. 

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After secondary school my As levels were a shambles, I then went onto a variety of colleges and different part time jobs until I finally worked out how I was going to get into teaching. Soon after I got my BA(Hons) in Childhood Development and then went straight on to do my PGCE. I also did Steiner Teacher Training. Which is a whole can of worms we will get into at some point I'm sure. University was weird but fairly uneventful. Essay writing and studying were areas I could figure out as long as I locked myself in my room surrounded by books. 

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Teaching has been an amazing journey, I love it and I have enjoyed developing my knowledge and improving my practice along the way. My first full time job with my own class was wonderful to start with, however I was unfortunate enough to be working at a school with under qualified staff and bullies in charge of the school. After a year and a half of abuse, harassment and poor working conditions I decided to leave. Before leaving I had taken time out for mental health reasons, funny enough being bullied where you work isn't good for your mental health. It was a shock to my boss as she seemed to be under the impression that was how a Head Teacher should conduct ones self. 

Obviously an experience like that is very damaging and it has caused me loads of issues with work and my views on trusting colleagues. Saying that, it has helped me in so many ways. I understand so much more about what I want from my job and I appreciate the importance of work life balance and put more effort into making sure work doesn't rule my life. A big life lesson I learnt as well was that no amount of money is worth risking your mental health. You can only survive so long in hostile working environments like that. It's just not worth risking yourself over. I know we all need jobs to survive but there is hopefully another job out there you can find which wont compromise your health. 

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Currently I'm working in supply and continuing my training. I currently specialise in working with SEN pupils. Eventually I want to go on to do my masters and doctorate in Educational Psychology. Through Bex 'n' Bee I'm hoping to be able to support people through their diagnosis and make sure they are truly seen and listened to. 

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Those of you who have followed our story on instagram will know I have two adorable mini lop rabbits called Otis and Bean with my boyfriend Stu. We live with my parents and my brother which has been a total haven in the 2020 madness. Eventually we'll get our own place so I can start my rescue zoo but until then I appreciate and need the support my family gives me whilst I figure out my studies and work. 

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Being Autistic definitely has its moments of absolute stress and anxiety but on occasion I surprise myself with what I'm capable of and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the future. 

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Now we just need to be let out of the damn house!