Championing Neurodiversity: Tynisha’s Inspiring Journey at TUI
In this blog, we’ll explore Tynisha’s journey as a TUI employee who balances her love for fitness with her advocacy for autism, sharing what drives her and the impact she’s making in both worlds.
10th Feb 2025
Meet Tynisha!
“I am showing the world that just because I have autism, doesn't mean I can't do anything that a neurotypical can do.”
Introducing Tynisha, a TUI Fitness Instructors who spent this summer in Crete. When she’s not dancing or teaching fitness, she runs her own company, Visible Autism. Being autistic herself, she helps educate others and raise awareness for autism.Why did you apply to join TUI?
I had recently finished university and I was looking for something brand new; something that was to do with fitness and dance, but I also wanted to travel. One of my friends had previously worked with TUI overseas and suggested I apply. Funny enough I was based in the same hotel she was working in, in Crete.
Some of my favourite things about my role is being able to work in fitness which is my passion, whilst making connections with our guests. I collaborate with other departments and have a team around me, but also enjoy the independence of running my own classes. Plus, the social life outside of work is amazing!
What challenges did you encounter?
Living with autism is extremely challenging, even when I'm at home with my family. Let alone moving to a different country, alone, and trying to navigate all the daily difficulties that come with my diagnosis. Due to my autism, I find it really difficult to work with other people, however my role is perfect as we have our own classes and schedule. I can be as independent as I need to be. I have struggled at times with constant change and having to adapt, but through communication and advocating for myself I have been able to show how my reasonable adjustments make it much easier to adjust quicker.
I thought making friends was going to be difficult, but I have made friends for life. This has helped so much when living away from family. Sometimes social situations and interactions are very daunting; working in a job where you are always with the public and guests can get very tiring. However, I have coping mechanisms that help to avoid burnout and allow me to keep up my energy and interactions. This means I can always give our guests a great holiday!
What are your plans for the future?
I have learnt that I am so strong and so capable. I am mentally where I want be, and I am just adjusting day by day. I'm figuring out my pathway in life and realising that everything I am doing is all leading to my future goals. I have strengthened my mindset on knowing that it's my life and to advocate for myself to ensure I am able to do my best.
My future plans consist of hopefully completing another season here with TUI, while gaining some extra qualifications. During the winter break I will return home and continue to run my company, sharing my experience and educating others about autism. I will go back to dance training and develop my personal training career. For me, that's plenty to be working on and so I will just take it day by day and see where life takes me."
Feeling inspired and would like to follow in Tynisha's footsteps? Take the first step in joining TUI and finding out more about their amazing work culture.