I am extremely happy about completing my NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism it has seemed like a longtime coming, but I am glad I persisted.  It would not have been possible for me to complete course without the Academy for Disabled Journalists and the ability of being taught online. As otherwise I would have had to travel on train three days a week to undertake the course and I feared I spend more getting to and from where it was being offered than learning.  For me this course enabled me to undertake this qualification without having to be worried about transport costs or train delays. That has been a real positive for me and I wish more educational establishments like colleges offering the NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism this course were aware these barriers as I still feel disabled people are in the minority when comes to wanting work this industry.  

I have really enjoyed the teaching that I received on this course as the staff all had real world experience of this sector. I especially like working with Will Gore because he has really encouraged me to purse my goal in wanting to eventually work in investigative journalism and I’m hoping next year to apply to the Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme.  

In September I am potentially looking to undertake work experience with two journalists who specialise in subjects which I have also covered environmental and human rights. If successful I look forward to learning about solutions journalism and how it differs from mainstream.  

I am currently working on my blog, The Untamed Beast which focuses on ecological and environmental issues and writing one article a month for it. The aim of eventually building a regular following on Substack.  I am also in process of sending out more pitches in September and contacting previous editors I have worked with and new ones.  I am looking to join the National Union of Journalists.  

I have recently been entering my creative writing into competitions as well.  It’s good because my creative writing was how I got into writing in the first place.  

I want to thank the Academy for Disabled Journalists and the NCTJ for allowing me the time to complete this course.  It’s great finally receiving the certificate it means a lot as I have wanted to be a journalist since I was 14 years old.  

You can have as many bits of paper in the world saying qualify in a subject but it’s what you do with that knowledge afterwards.  I am going to continue pursing my goal of becoming a full-time freelance journalist because my head is bursting with ideas for features, articles, blog posts etc.  Maybe one day even a book!

by Ellie May Forrester – ADJ Diploma Alumni and Freelance Journalist

Find out more about Ellie on her website