The thing is I'm not even ashamed to say that now. At the time of picking up my results, I felt mortified, I bawled my eyes out and hobbled out of the hall on my crutches with my incredibly unsupportive Head Teacher and Head of Year trying to say "it's fine" like... thanks! That's what I want to hear right now.
I didn't fail my exams due to lack of trying or anything, this part of my life is where it gets hectic and confusing. I shall try and keep it brief and understandable.
I fell ill at the end of 2008, with at the time, suspected M.E (which it turned out to be) But as my doctor was a skeptic I had to continue with life as normal battling the painful and annoying symptoms daily.
It got to a point in 2009 where I had to leave school due to deteriorating health, I was promised they would send me work, well, what a train wreck that was!!! Four months leading up to my exams, I had missed of school. With ZERO pieces of work being sent home for me!
Anyway, leading up to my exams, the school requested doctors letters for the exam boards which we provided.
Not only was I suffering with my new illness, my Dad had just had a serious leg operation, my sister was incredibly ill with various illnesses, my parents were divorcing, my Nan was diagnosed with Dementia, I had to leave my part time job and I'd stopped playing football which was my FAVOURITE thing in the world... My life was a mess, to then be thrown into my exams!
I survived them though. Just.
Results day came round, I hobbled in on my crutches with the lovely judgemental schoolmates I had staring at me. Opening that envelope I didn't hold much hope.
(See the photo attached for the results - although it was 3 C's & 2D's and excuse the POOR english typing)
In hindsight though... Passing 3 exams was impressive considering how much school I had missed, how doped up I was on painkillers, how ill I was and how much was going on at home.
Now I know my situation isn't "normal" but the point of this post is, everyone has various experiences with exam results.
I know people who did extremely well in their GCSE's and went on to college and uni, but now work in a supermarket!
I know some people who didn't do too well, but they have a good paying job, some in accounting and jobs like that. It all varies!
I didn't go on to further education, as I became bedbound shortly after my exams.
But I look back and think, had I known that from those awful results I'd of been shooting some of the worlds best cars, visiting factories such as Koenigsegg, experiencing shows in the States and the UK and driving cars worth more than my life!!!! I wouldn't of cried, I'd actually say "that's fine by me."
A lot of the positives have weirdly been down to social media and the people I've been incredibly lucky to meet. From Zalasin & ItsWhiteNoise to the guys at Oakley Design, and everyone in between.
If you failed your exams, don't worry! You'll figure something out!
Just follow your hearts passion and enjoy it!
I know photography isn't my career or even anywhere near it, but one day I'd like to hope it could be. I'm also incredibly lucky to have such an amazing Dad to support me! Again, my situation isn't "normal" but we make it work.
Take it easy
Skully x
