Michael Roberts, a 21-year-old nursing student from Naarm/Melbourne, recounts his experiences of being a young carer for his older brother Owen, who has Down syndrome. He vividly remembers instances, like being pulled from a maths test to assist his distraught brother, highlighting the commitment he felt to support his sibling despite the toll it took on his own education. This situation was not an isolated incident, as he often missed class time to attend to Owen's needs, leading to feelings of frustration and neglect regarding his own academic support.

In his reflections, Michael emphasizes the emotional strain and fatigue that come with the responsibilities he had to shoulder as a young carer. He expresses how the lack of understanding and support from school staff hindered not only his educational performance but also his emotional well-being. The absence of recognition of his role as a carer made daily challenges even harder, and Michael points out that without proper acknowledgment, young carers like himself can feel overwhelmed, leading to emotional outbursts and burnout.

Michael's insights shed light on the broader issue of support for young carers in educational settings, advocating for more resources and understanding from schools. He believes that adequate support systems could have alleviated some challenges he faced and fostered a more balanced environment for both him and his brother. His story adds to the dialogue on how society can improve the experiences of young carers, ensuring they receive the necessary help while still being able to pursue their own educational goals.