It really did.
The year before last, I began my first year of A-Levels and
by the end of it didn’t have much to show from it. This is because I was very
ill that year both physically for the early part and then after that due to a serious
decline in my mental health. My depression and anxiety ruled my life and
basically, became my identity. That year, it was nye on
impossible to think about exams and coursework when it took all my energy and concentration
to even muster up a sentence about what I might have for dinner that night. That is unfortunately what severe depression can leave you like.
To be honest, I barely remember that year, I just remember being sad and
sleeping but, I got through it.
This previous academic year came around and I was determined
to start again and do well. It was very difficult at times with mental health
problems still lingering as they do, but it was great fun too. I met some great
friends, my boyfriend and rekindled my interest in Psychology where the
determination and ‘spark’ in me also kind of returned along with it. My love for
the subject made me very happy and consolidated what I want to do with my life in
terms of a career in mental health.
Exams were difficult and very stressful but
I did them and was so proud of myself for that. I remember seeing a quote not
long before my exams that said ‘fortune favors the brave’. I thought to myself
‘if you are brave enough to sit that exam, fortune will favor you’ and well, I
was right.
Results day rolled around on the 14th August and
I was handed the envelope. Obviously, this was a bit terrifying but when I
opened it I was very pleasantly surprised to see my results, especially
Psychology and Sociology where I achieved my A s!
Earlier in the year, I would
have thought that impossible but there I was standing with these fantastic results
in my hand that belonged to me. I had made it through the year
from hell previously and now, I had the proof in my hands that’s I had been very
successful academically. I know it sounds cliche but no matter what the results said,
I knew I was a stronger person for my struggles but this was like solid proof
to me. It was like a 'look at what you achieved, here’s the evidence you’ve done
this'.
I am now doing my A2 levels and know it’s still going to be
tough but I value the determination, or possibly just stubbornness that I’ve acquired
along the way to achieve what I want to achieve.
I guess if you were to take a moral from this it would be to
not give up but that can be easier said than done when you feel so down.
Perhaps just the comfort in knowing if you just keep moving, no matter what the
pace, you can be successful and happy eventually.
So here’s to the next year and whatever it brings. Hopefully
positives and hopefully happiness.
Jen
x
Just want to say a massive well done for achieving and overcoming all of that! Not only are you extremely intelligent and an amazing singer, you got 2 A's at A Level! Trust me, I'm so proud of you. You're amazing! Well done, keep going girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! That really really means alot :) I hope you are having an absolute fab time at uni!! xx
Delete