Overcoming Insecurity: My Journey Through Academia

Sara Allwright,

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

After leaving school at 15yrs old with no real education or qualifications, I felt academically inept. I didn’t care at the time, all I wanted to do (and good at) was be an athlete; a sprinter.

On leaving school, being homeless for several months, my aspirations to be an athlete fell by the wayside. as did most things.

After finding my feet (no pun intended) at 19 yrs of age, I went to night school and studied Art and Psychology. I struggled, I had a lot to learn.

I gained a place in University to study Fine Art & Critical & Contextual Studies. I couldn’t believe it. I was terrified. I convinced myself they had made a mistake, they would soon find out, realise I shouldn’t be there.

On arrival, I felt so out of place. I felt like a fraud. I didn’t belong in academia, sit in lectures and take notes, write essays…F**K!

I kept a low profile, went to lectures, took copious notes, recorded every lecture, which I replayed numerous times; in case I missed anything.

I felt sure I wouldn’t last a month, if that. The months went by, and I was still there. After three years, I graduated with my degree and went straight into teaching Art & Art History.

I didn’t get to run in the Olympics, but I eventually got my education.

I really felt out of place in Uni, but so I’m so glad I persevered. 🤗🙏

Thank you for reading ✨

Happy Friday 😁

Unknown's avatar

Published by Sara Allwright

Fine Artist

32 Comments

  2. Go you! Gosh, You’re so like me. Not that I wanted to be in the Olympics sprinting lol But I was on the track and field team and I loved art. I admire you going to Uni, sticking it out and getting your degree. For me, that never panned out :/ Married at 18, step mam from get go….and here I am nearly 54, 7 kids, later and 8 grandkids, trying to become a published author. Onwards and upwards 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you Helen 😊. I’m so glad I went to Uni and got my degree, I wasn’t that stupid after all 😅. 7 kids & 8 grandkids 😱😂…certainly keeps you busy!!!
      I self published a book, it was more of a factual book based on my art work etc. I’m now trying to write my memoir, done 40k words so far, but not really having the best writing skills…it’s a struggle. You will become a published author…😁. Definitely, onwards and upwards 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. What a truly inspiring story! While some of it is strikingly similar to my Uni experience, your story culminated in success at Uni. Fantastic, congratulations on your accomplishment. You have good reason to feel proud. 👩‍🎓

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  14. Sara, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. Your perseverance and determination in overcoming challenges, both personal and academic, is truly admirable. It’s a reminder that even when we feel out of place, pushing forward can lead to incredible achievements. Your story is uplifting and a testament to resilience. ❤️🙏👍🏻

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.