Leaving Cert results day. A day of excitement, panic, and your granny lighting a candle for you. Also a day where a lot of young people realise they have no idea what they want to do and worry that they've made the wrong CAO choice. And that's ok.
I didn't do my Leaving Cert. In fact, I left school at 16 due to the fact I felt physically sick every time I even thought about going in to school. I wasn't the most popular or most 'liked' girl in secondary school, and at that tender age it takes a toll on you.
I became depressed due to the fact I was sitting at home doing nothing and seeing no one. I wondered if my life would always be like that, and if I'd made a massive mistake. I can tell you now it was personally the best decision I've made.
Without a Leaving Cert, I thought no college would take me, I'd never get any qualifications and I'd end up a lonely old cat lady who did those online surveys that pay you €5 each time you complete one. I was wrong.
The truth is, there are so many options out there. It may feel like the end of the world right now if you didn't get the results you'd hoped for, but 10, 15 years from now when you're living the life you didn't dream of having before, it won't matter. In this day and age, a bad result (or even leaving school) aren't as taboo as they used to be.
When I left school, I went down the alternative education route. I did a hairdressing course (which wasn't for me), and then a computers course (which was for me!), my confidence blossomed, I made friends, and I progressed. I got 9 months work experience in the front office of where I did my courses. I got work experience with the Sligo Rovers in their office. I continued to learn. I did a PLC course which was an awesome time - think college but not quite as fun. At this stage in my life, I now have experience, qualifications (Accounting Technicians of Ireland, Business Administration, ECDL - even some hairdressing certificates!) and I've applied to Athlone Institute of Technology to do a two year Office Management course. I have the most wonderful partner and family who support me no matter what, and I've never been happier.
I'm not suggesting everyone drops out of school. I think education is a privilege and a wonderful thing. We are so lucky to have access to education like we do in this country. But today, if you've tried your best and you didn't succeed (I sound like a flipping Coldplay song now) try not to let it get you down. You are so much more than points on a paper.
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