India's story

After experiencing personal loss and anxiety, India was supported to secure multiple university offers to pursue a career in journalism.

Finding support during a difficult time

India had just completed her GCSEs when she tragically lost her grandmother. This had a big impact on her mental health and next steps. She explains: “I was having really bad anxiety and everything felt up in the air. It completely threw me off the path I wanted to take.”

Despite being a capable student, India found herself struggling to attend school and engage with lessons. “I wasn’t revising, I wasn’t putting any effort in. I just wasn’t on a good path.”

Getting back on track

India reached a turning point when she met with her careers adviser, Christie. “I wanted to drop out of sixth form and restart in college,” she says. “But Christie advised me to stick with it and finish the year. She said I could always reassess in September.”

“Christie wasn’t just a careers adviser – she was someone I could talk to. She kept a really positive energy and helped me through a tough time.”

India completed her AS levels and, although the results weren’t what she’d hoped for, she was proud of her resilience. “I was more proud of the fact that I stuck through it.”

Exploring options and making decisions

As India entered Year 13, she began to consider her next steps. She was interested in media and politics but unsure whether university or an apprenticeship was the right route.

“I’ve always wanted to go to university, but I was still half and half on it,” she says. “Christie told me about a BBC apprenticeship and helped me with my application and cover letter.”

India applied for both university and the apprenticeship. She progressed to the second stage of the BBC process but didn’t make it past this point.

Looking ahead to the future

India applied to five universities to study journalism and received offers from all of them. With Christie's help, she chose Cardiff University as her firm choice and Bath Spa as her insurance.

“She helped me look at the courses and even things like travel,” India explains. “I wanted to be far enough away to feel independent, but not so far that I’d get homesick. Cardiff was perfect – only an hour and a half away.”

Feeling confident and supported

India credits Christie with helping her find confidence. “Without her, I wouldn’t have had any sort of dynamic or structure. She helped me get back on track with not only my education, but my personal life as well.”

Now waiting for her A level results, India is excited about the future and keen to share her story. “I’m more than happy to talk about the anxiety I went through. It’s important for young people to know they’re not alone – and that there are people like Christie who can help.”

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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