Neisha or ‘Neish’, has transformed from struggling to engage with education to becoming a straight-A student with a 100% attendance rate at The BUSY School Ipswich Campus. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and respect for others, all of which have propelled her to excel academically.
Neish’s educational journey has been anything but conventional. After COVID-19 lockdowns, Neish’s return to school was challenging. She suffered severe anxiety exacerbated by bullying, leading to her withdrawal from mainstream schooling. She then enrolled in distance education from Years 8 to 10 but this proved difficult for Neish, who admitted, “I tried to do the work, but I would shut down completely. It really overwhelmed me.”
Isolated and ineffective, online learning lacked the personal interaction she craved. It wasn’t until she discovered The BUSY School that she found an environment that truly supported her needs.
“I needed something like this,” Neish says. “It was hard for me to make friends before because I was inside most of the time, struggling. Now I am getting out, I’ve made friends, and I’ve been doing so much better.”
The transition to The BUSY School marked a significant turning point.
“My first week was great. I am usually quiet, but coming to school and seeing people’s faces is so much nicer,” Neish shared.
The supportive and understanding atmosphere, coupled with hands-on learning, has been pivotal. “The teachers here are so good! I love the teachers, they care about you. It’s a huge change from online classes where the teachers didn’t seem to listen to what I needed help with.”
Neish’s commitment to her education is evident in her 100% attendance record and outstanding academic performance.
“I knew I wasn’t stupid because I understood what I wanted to say and do. It was explaining or completing tasks under pressure that was hard for me, but here I have the support I need. The way teachers at The BUSY School teach makes all the difference. I’m doing so much better.”
Her respect for her peers and teachers at The BUSY School is profound. “We respect each other and talk without the awkward stuff,” she notes, highlighting a maturity well beyond her years. This respectful environment has helped her thrive, transforming her from a girl who was scared to go out and even do schoolwork into a confident young woman making friends, doing well in school, and exploring her future career options.
The unwavering support and funds brought by the annual Hoops4Schools fundraising campaign and other initiatives supporting The BUSY School ensure that students like Neish receive the alternative learning experiences they desperately need to succeed.
Neish’s journey is also a testament to the strength and unity of her family. They have been her steadfast support system, helping her navigate financial challenges and household responsibilities.
“My family is great – they are really supportive,” she says. This familial bond has taught her the value of teamwork and mutual respect, which she brings into her interactions at school.
Looking ahead, Neish is eager to explore various career paths. She has already tried childcare and discovered a passion for animal care and car mechanics.
“I like to get my hands dirty,” she smiles. The BUSY School, with its connections to broader initiatives like BUSY Sisters (supporting women into traditionally male-dominated trade careers), promises to help Neish open many doors in the future.
Neish’s insights into improving the education system are both practical and empathetic. “The way schools handle kids misbehaving needs to change. Sometimes students just need help and don’t know how to ask for it,” she asserts. She advocates for more work experience opportunities and a greater understanding of individual student needs. “Listening to the students and understanding that everyone is different is key.”
Neish’s journey from struggling with anxiety to achieving academic excellence and personal growth at The BUSY School Ipswich Campus serves as inspiration to other students facing similar challenges.
As Neish herself advises, “Keep trying. If it doesn’t work, seek alternatives. Communicate with teachers and let them know what’s wrong. They can help to create new options.”
Neish’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right support system.
Neish is now thriving in her education since attending The BUSY School with 100% attendance and achieving academic excellence.
