“This time 28 years ago, I felt my like my future slipped away from me in an instant. All because of a simple grade on a piece of paper.”
In this blog, Jo – Marketing Manager at Everyturn shares her own results day experience, and how overwhelming it can be.
“Thinking back to A level results day brings back bad memories. It’s a day I remember so clearly and unfortunately stays with me as a core memory for all the wrong reasons.
Back then, not a lot was digital. You popped along to your local college and scrolled down a printed list to find out the grades you’d achieved. It was a long list of names. My finger moved further (and further!) down the list… I’d got an E in my Psychology A level.
I felt my entire world crumble!
That was the decision made for me; I wasn’t going to study an undergraduate degree in Psychology anymore.
In my world, I was the biggest failure.
My mind was full of questions… how could this have happened? I’d studied so diligently. What was I supposed to do now? Where do I go from here? How do I tell my parents?
The drive home was filled with tears and felt like forever. What on earth was I going to do now?
A shake of my head to my mum and dad gave them all the info they needed to know as soon as I walked through the door. A big hug, strong cuppa and chat about what we could practically do, started to make me feel calmer, more collected and lightened my feelings of overwhelm, instantly.
I rang my university of choice clearing hotline, went through the process and applied for a undergraduate degree business course. And I’ve never looked back!
My A level results weren’t the dark and gloomy end I’d thought they were going to be. I loved my time at University, got a 2:1 undergraduate business degree and made lifelong friends who I’m still in touch with today.
There’s a HUGE amount of pressure to get life ‘right’ from a very early age. And honestly, none of us have a defined road map. We’re winging it most of the time.
What can you do today to help?
First things first…stop, take a breath and slow down.
Appreciate how far you’ve come already to get to this point. If you’ve received results that weren’t what you were expecting today, look at your options – there really are SO many available to you now right now.
Reach out and talk to someone. Sharing your feelings really does make them feel a bit lighter.
And others have been here before – let them help you, lean into the support and let them help with practical advice as well.
These overwhelming feelings won’t last forever. A very good friend once told me, “Imagine how this is going to feel in six hours, six days, six weeks, or six months?” And this truly works – while this feels massive and life altering now, it will feel more manageable in a short space of time.
Your life is not defined by a grade on a piece of paper; you are so much more than this.
This will be okay.
You will find your path and enjoy the journey along the way.”
Whatever your results are, or if you’re feeling worried about what they mean, or what happens next, we’re here to support you.
At Nook Safe Haven, we’re here for people aged 13-17 (and aged 18 if you’re in full time education) in Newcastle and Gateshead. Support is free, confidential, and you can just drop in (along with telephone and online appointments if you prefer).