Georgia Miggins highly commended in Inspire! learning awards

A 22-year-old from Swansea who wants to teach music therapy has been highly commended in a national adult learning award, and she is already doing the inspiring part.

Georgia Miggins has been recognised in this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards for a learning journey that has taken her from anxiety at school to trusteeships, choirs and a plan for the classroom.

“I am so happy and grateful for the recognition of all the hard work I have done and it’s a reminder of how far I have come,” she said.

Georgia is working towards Level 1 Essential Skills Qualifications, sings with Rock Choir in Swansea, and holds a Grade 5 singing certificate, with Grade 8 the aim to support her ambition of becoming a music therapy teacher.

Diagnosed with autism, learning difficulties and ADHD at the age of four, she struggled with anxiety after bullying at primary school.

She went on to thrive during eight years at Ysgol Pen y Bryn, where she was head girl, sat on the School Council and won a string of awards.

When a traditional college path didn’t suit her, she joined an Essential Skills class with Swansea Lifelong Learning, which she credits with restoring her confidence and motivation.

“I love learning, gaining knowledge on different topics and developing new skills,” she said. “It shows that there are other ways to get qualifications and it’s good to have people who believe in you because sometimes people are underestimated.

“I want to be a positive role model and inspire others, who have disabilities and face life challenges, to have the same opportunities that I have been given.

“My story shows that things will not always be easy but it’s important to keep believing in yourself. Never let people’s opinions, presumptions or stereotypes determine your success or future. My motto: Believe it! Achieve it!”

Already a trailblazer

The role model part is well underway. Georgia represented Learning Disability Wales on the Welsh Youth Parliament at 17, sits on Mencap’s Voices Council, is the youngest Learning Disability Wales trustee, and volunteers with two West Glamorgan Regional Partnership boards working to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

A close-up of Georgia Miggins smiling against a striped wall, wearing a pink hair bow, pearl necklace and pink striped shirt — Georgia will be honoured at the Coal Exchange on 23 September (Image: Learning and Work Institute)

Karen Ward, her Essential Skills tutor at Swansea Lifelong Learning, called her an “amazing ambassador”: “Georgia is set to become a real trailblazer in her pursuit of making a difference for others like herself. Whilst she recognises her own difficulties, she embraces challenges with positivity and enthusiastically forges ahead, not for personal gain, but with a determination to make life better for others.”

Georgia will be honoured at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff on 23 September, in the ceremony crowning Adult Learners’ Week. Also on stage that night: Penycae’s award-winning waiter Aaron Jones, whose story we told last month.

Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute’s director for Wales, said lifelong learning “can be transformative”, adding: “Adult learning makes a real difference and it’s vital to support and celebrate adults in Wales who are embracing learning, sometimes overcoming significant personal challenges to do so.”

Anyone inspired by Georgia’s journey can get free advice on courses and training through Working Wales on 0800 028 4844 or at workingwales.gov.wales, with taster sessions running through September and Adult Learners’ Week from 21 to 27 September.