“Something that some people in similar situations to me might find helpful is to have a goal. Something to really focus on. So when they feel like giving up, or like it’s not worth it, to have that goal in mind. Even if it’s not completely realistic or achievable. It’s really helpful for me at least. Just having it there. It’s a really strong thing.

I want to get into Health Science at university and maybe go on to a medicine degree. Even though that’s quite ambitious I still think it’s good to have it. It’s better to have those ambitious goals than to not have anything and then be stuck and worried like, “What am I going to do with my life?”

I used to want to be a photographer or a writer. And I still enjoy that creative stuff but art is subjective. With science, people can’t put you down cos the facts are there. Whereas with art, you can be criticised if people don’t like your art, or don’t understand it. I think I might still want to do that creative stuff, but it’s more of a personal and private thing. I don’t want to share my creative side as much, because it puts you in a more vulnerable position. The possibility of criticism is kind of scary.

There are people who support me. My sisters are pretty good and my Personal Advisor is really nice. They encourage me. I’m really nervous to start Health Science ‘cause starting new things can be hard at first. I find it hard. Like everyone I suppose.”