Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
I was a Domestic Engineer when my journey began in 2010 after observing the profound changes within my daughter. Her confidence and fitness levels increased as well as her concentration with school.
Rising through the ranks, my journey stumbled in 2015 after achieving my red belt. Due to debilitating illness (both mental and physical), I was really struggling to get up in the mornings and function on a daily basis, due to constant pain. My world felt literally was imploding all around me. But through the next six years I attended training two nights a week. Sometimes in uniform, sometimes not. Some nights I was able to train for the entire session, other nights were a struggle, sometimes I’d just practice patterns at the back of the hall and other times I was unable to train at all.
All through that I turned up to training, developing strong friendships to a point that the group at St. Peter’s World Taekwondo Training Centre became my second family. With them on my side supporting and encouraging me, I became a first aid officer within the club and remain in that position to date. Slowly I regained more control over my illness. Attending exams as a first aid officer gave me a sense of achievement and increased my need to be able to help and encourage others.
Finally in 2020, after a conversation with Grand Master Wahid Halimee and Senior Instructor Peter Whitbread, I took the next step and applied for my black belt, achieving this goal in 2022. The following year I became an assistant instructor, now helping and encouraging new members just as they had done for me.
Thanks to the support and encouragement of the club and ultimately rebuilding of my confidence, I chose to study for a Certificate III as a Personal Care Worker, achieving a now permanent job in that sector.
Now I enjoy assisting not only our younger members make their journey through World Taekwondo and achieve their goals but also out in our wider community, where I work to help them achieve their goals. And I am so proud and happy of the journeys I observe.
Michelle Dunn - October 21, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au
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