Defeating all odds!

This post has its roots in 2012. Aged 16, I was told "there's no way you'll get close to one A Level with those GCSE grades" and when I said, "I think you're wrong", they laughed in my face. That very moment is one I will remember forever. Its also a moment I never wish upon anybody. People who say that to teenagers, in my opinion, are not made to be headteachers. But hey, that's just one woman's opinion in this mad mad world. 

I write this today, though, to say "Thanks, mate for not believing in me." Because I didn't need you and your approval and even if I will remember that comment forever, I chose NOT to let it effect me negatively. 

Unfortunately, at that specific time, it did. It did effect my young, naive, teenage belief system. This led me to drop out of school and believe that I was academically incapable to achieve anything further. It's no secret that A-Levels are hard. But my main emotional struggles were harder and more of a priority in my brain during this time. Life without parents, siblings, friends and in a new area / school setting is difficult. Having all you once knew swept away from you in a heartbeat, then A-Level pressures on top of that was proven too much for me at the time. 

But, my point today is this.... 9 years later.. I have a degree in Applied Theology and am studying for a Masters degree in a topic I love, a profession I've always wanted to go into.... Take that Mr U!! (Anonymised name!) I would really love to go back, meet up with Mr U and show him the certificates, maybe one day we will cross paths again. Maybe one day you'll understand emotional wellbeing and its importance / priority in a teenager's life.

Don't be quick to judge people, guys. 

Everyone has a story. Everyone has emotions. Let's be more weary of those and try not to break people's minds, because above all, they need protecting most. As important as academia is, it really isn't everything. Time and energy is everything. Emotional wellbeing is everything. I will finish with this... A quote that is on trend and very apt at the moment, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."