: About Me

I first stumbled upon Helium in October 2007 when searching for short story competitions. What I discovered was much more than I bargained for. I soon discovered a platform that allowed my opinions to be aired, my knowledge to be shared and a wealth of opportunities for improving my general English and writing skills.

Since then I have won many weekly contests (and lost my fair share too) and discovered excellent opportunities in the Marketplace. More opportunities through Helium found me as an award winner for a Pulitzer Citizen Journalism prize on my article "What responsibility does the world bear for rehabilitating child soldiers from the horror of serving in armed conflict?"

The community is supportive and welcoming, everything a budding writer could wish for and have developed friendships that I'm sure will last a lifetime.

A little personal information: I am a mother of three very busy and intelligent children who take up a lot of my time. My writing routine often revolves around their "quiet" moments and when they're sleeping. So you're sure to find me writing into the wee hours of the morning.

You'll often find me procrastinating about getting these writing ideas down on paper. And with all that Helium has to offer, I often find myself distracted. Just like many, one day in the near future I'll get this book that is trying to burst forth written and published and my ultimate dream will have been accomplished.

I'm an avid reader and am always on the look out for a great read. If you have any suggestions or would like a recommendation, please visit my "Virtual Bookshelf" on my Facebook page as it's updated frequently. Although I enjoy and thrive on intelligent and interesting conversations, I am deprived of them so you'll also find me surfing the net trying to discover likeminded people. Most are used to inspire and spark a story idea. My latest favorite place to visit is Postsecret with an interesting study on people and their secrets.

If you'd like to visit my Helium Zones please visit my links below.

http://www.helium.com/zone/984-decorating-children-rooms

http://www.helium.com/zone/1006-haunted-houses

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy reading my articles.

Rachel

18th January, 2009

My passion is ...

my children and education

I know too much about ...

natural child birth and being a step mother

My parents always told me ...

to be the best at what I choose to do.

My childhood ambition ...

was to write a novel and be a famous author.

My favorite memory ...

the birth of each of my children, they were each remarkably hard to forget.

Why I write ...

because I love writing and seeing others enjoy my writing.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

reading Sylvia by Bryce Courtney, listening to Linda Perry

My first job ...

was in the fruit section of a supermarket

My best moment ...

hearing my son say I love you Mum, and my daughter say I dub you.

My inspiration ...

my magnificent children and very patient partner

Education > School Bullying & Violence The line between harmless fun and bullying

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Bullying exists everywhere. It has been seen in the preschool playground, in primary and high school and also operates in the work environment, in politics, at home and in online social communities. It is not exclusively a behavior that males or females do, nor does it exclusively affect either sex. Bullying doesn't occur in just one particular area or country, it is happening all over the world. Today we have so many types of bullying and it can be played out over a broad number of platforms. Bullying has become part of our modern reality but should not be excused and nor should it be ign...

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Writing:

• 1Citizen Journalism Awards
• 6Writing Contest Winner
• Marketplace Premier Writer
• Marketplace Approved Writer
• 8Marketplace Articles Sold
• Helium Charter Member