“I'm a bit of an odd one, but I actually like that. I don’t really care about what’s fashionable or what someone else thinks of my style. I’ve got a fabulous hat collection at home and I sometimes wear a kilt to school. Why? Because I wear clothes I like and that make me feel good.
I’ve got 6 sewing machines at home and I love sewing on them way into the early hours. I try to make as many of my own clothes as I can and I’ll sew for my friends too. This will often lead to unique creations but I also find it calming. It helps me clear my head and express myself in a different way. I’m on the autism spectrum and though it sometimes has its advantages there are sometimes disadvantages too.
It’s actually a good thing when it comes to my degree in Teacher Education in Chemistry. We often joke that vaccinations don’t lead to autism, autistics lead to vaccinations. I’m incredibly well organised and can often focus really well on my work. And having autism means I'm not really bothered what others think of me. I’m not like other people anyway, so why should I try so hard to fit in with them?
I don’t completely fit into this world anyway. It can feel really lonely but luckily I’ve got a few lovely friends around me and I’ve got another hobby too: balfolk dancing. I often hear that people think it’s more of a girly thing, but that doesn’t matter to me. I know it’s not true. And it’s not other people’s opinions that make you happy. If you’re happy with who you are and the things you do, you’ll naturally meet people that will accept you. Accept you for who you are.”
Bas Wortelboer, Teacher Education student in Chemistry
