Tag: reflect
Overcoming Insecurity: My Journey Through Academia
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 didnât 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 couldnât believe it. I was terrified. I convinced myself they had made a mistake, they would soon find out, realise I shouldnât be there.
On arrival, I felt so out of place. I felt like a fraud. I didnât belong in academia, sit in lectures and take notes, write essaysâŚF**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 wouldnât 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 didnât get to run in the Olympics, but I eventually got my education.
I really felt out of place in Uni, but so Iâm so glad I persevered. đ¤đ
Thank you for reading â¨
Happy Friday đ
âReflectâ

Š Sara Allwright/All rights reserved
