They return with their tail between their legs...

Ok...not quite...but almost.

I've been invited back to my secondary school/ sixthform for their careers day to talk about careers in Marketing/PR/Journalism... at least that's the category they've given me. The fact that I didn't go to university and now have a job at one of the biggest media companies in the world less than two years after finishing my A Levels seems to have been skimmed over... I'll make sure that I make that loud and clear to the students during my presentation.

I really hope they give me another session to talk to the pupils about alternatives to uni.  In an ideal world, I'd be able to address everyone, including those who already had their hearts set on university. Not just because I endured 24+ months of speeches, presentations, preparation days etc about university when I had no intention of going and I have a desire for revenge...but because all young people should know their options, they shouldn't just expect a degree through university. And if nothing else, so that they're made aware that their friends don't go to university, won't end up at the job centre every week for the rest of their lives. Those people then won't have to fight of nasty comments or defend their decision endlessly.

Not only am I looking forward to sharing this wonderful idea that you can and most certainly will get places without university with my younger fellow Bexley Grammar pupils, I can also PROVE that very statement to my teachers and senior staff who pushed me to university and shut down any other ideas that I had.

Well, whilst they're still being teachers, I am a qualified marketer, I have the most wonderful job at the Guardian and I enjoy my career every single day. So there!

Results Day!

Over the last few days, all around the UK, 18 year-olds have been shaking nervously, anticipating that first view of the rest of their lives; their A Level results.

For so many, results are the be all and more often than not, the end all too. Thankfully, as I'm not going to university, I don't have that mentality.

 Having said that, I was disappointed when I opened up my brown envelope this morning and saw B, B, C, E; of course, anyone wants to do well in their A Levels regardless of their plans for the years ahead.

Although, after I had some time to think about it, I decided that I was satisfied with my results, if not happy! Whilst I might not be as bright as other people, I know that I tried my best and I got decent grades. I still have my 4 A level- which is more than some people can say. And it wasn't easy. 

Sixthform was bloody difficult! Everyone talks about "the jump from GCSE to A Level" but you never realise that it's in fact more of a giant leap! I think that I learnt more French in my first term of year 12 than I did from year 7 to year 11! 

There was so much information crammed into the space of two years- especially in Biology- which I got an E (I clearly didn't take much of that information in) it was difficult to try to retain it all.

That's what I hate about exams in some subjects (like Biology, ICT etc) they just test you on how much you remember and how well you can regurgitate your text book instead of actually how much you understand a subject.

But it's all done now! (Until I hopefully get this apprenticeship, where I will be studying a diploma with the NCTJ which will involve exams)

It now truly is into the real world for me.

Despite the hard work, late nights, 100 page coursework, exams, and all the other less appealing parts of school, sixthform was definitely the best part of my education. Especially year 13. 

I'll miss my classmates, my relationship with teachers, all the banter and the jokes we had between us, all the 18th birthday parties, the practically coming and going from school when I please. It's now all serious.

I am proud of what I've achieved at BGS Sixthform. 

You Will Need Help

You are going to need help.

Whilst it's important that you choose you're own future and you're not swayed by the opinions of your friends, teachers, siblings, cousins, parents or hamsters, you are always going to need advice, especially from those who have made the same decision.

If you're still at school, take the opportunity to use the facilities. Find out who your careers advisor is, where they will be and when. Ask them for help- that's what they're there for! Talk to your teachers...the ones you like. Believe it or not, they want to help you to. Having said that, it's probable that your teachers will tell you to go university, whether you want to or not, but it's always useful to hear their own experiences.

If not, there are always other places to get help, the job centre, the library, the internet, apprenticehips.org.uk, THIS BLOG, and others...
Find out where your nearest "connexions" centre is, they can give you impartial advice on what steps you can take and how you should be planning.