Stories/ Lived Experience – Page 4

I do not volunteer. I am a volunteer.

Stories/Lived Experience

Author: Dr. Emma Smith, Postdoctoral Researcher, AT2030, ALL Institute, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University

A few weeks ago, I was asked by a fellow volunteer, “Why do you do this?” My answer wasn’t eloquent and was far from complete. I talked about my passion for the cause (that seems to be a given). I spoke about having a skillset I felt I could contribute to help build community. I talked about getting more from the organizations I work with than I ever put in. However, as the weeks have passed, I’ve realized it’s deeper than that – not everyone with passion and a skillset contributes as a volunteer. They contribute to their communities in other ways – they go above and beyond in their work lives, they raise incredible kids who inspire a generation, and they are committed friends and family members.

What is it that makes a volunteer?

New Section: Stories/ Lived Experiences

Stories/ Lived Experience

Author: Delia Ferri, ALL Institute, Department of Law, Maynooth University

We have decided to include a new section in this blog that will gather emotions and insights into people’s real lives.

We will learn about people’s habits, ways of seeing and doing, perceptions, reactions to norms and power-relations. We will learn about life trajectories, transitions and transformations during the course of a lifetime. We will also learn about turning points – critical moments in which people change their directions – where they take another pathway. In some we will learn about the way in which social structures, social lives and social technologies impact on people’s every-day experiences, and shape their contexts and their opportunities.

Me and My Diabetes

Stories/ Lived Experience

Authors: Layla May and Deirdre Forde, ALL Institute, Maynooth University

This story was written by Layla May and supported by Deirdre Forde, who is a member of the ALL Institute, Maynooth University.

The lived experience piece authored by little Layla May aims to mark the World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated on 14^th November every year. It also aims to raise awareness about children with diabetes and their experience.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas stops making the hormone insulin. Insulin helps control blood glucose levels and allows glucose (from carbohydrate in the diet) to move from the blood into body cells for energy. The brain uses glucose as fuel so low blood glucose levels are dangerous in the short term and if not recognised and treated can result in collapse and seizure. High blood sugars can lead to other complications for someone with diabetes.

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