Who knew that before I could ever really experience life to the fullest I would be experiencing a nationwide pandemic, nationwide protest on how black lives matter (which by the way, is 100% a fact), a world war 3 scare and so much more. 2020 has been a VERY eventful year, also the year I started the scariest part of my life: sixth form. Yes, I said scariest! Frightening, terrifying, petrifying.

It sounds very over dramatic, I know but I didn’t know what I was getting myself into! Not to mention how sixth form was perceived on social media: “hardest thing I’ve ever done” “A-levels will make you cry” “if you’re doing English, then you’re preparing for death” and of course I had to see that, someone that has a passion for English and is planning on doing the subject for A-levels. Not to mention my peers who are a year above me AND older siblings of mine warning me about the pressures of preparing for sixth form.

With everything going on in the world, plus missing out on GCSEs, plus hearing these negative reviews on A-levels, it’s very hard to focus on the positive things that are going on around me including sixth form. For example, meeting new people. I’ve always loved making new friends and building bonds with people I never thought I would ever become friends with because I’ve always seen it as a beautiful thing to happen in anyone’s life. However recently, I’ve found it extremely difficult to speak to new people because my mind is always racing with questions: “will they like how I am?” “Am I doing too much right now?” “Should I even try?” And English! My first love turned into my worst nightmare! At the start, I will be honest, it was VERY difficult. I felt left behind, like I was never doing enough and I barely understood what was going on, it was like everyone around me was speaking a whole foreign language. Then there was my doubt about my school choice on my conscience 24/7 and so much more stressful thoughts.

This did result in me having a whole breakdown, snot and all. I actually considered moving schools at one point just to get away from it all because of how pressing the school is but after some thinking and sitting time, I decided that I needed to get my act together. Positivity will take you far in life and so will a good, healthy mind-set along with some Mcdonalds with a milkshake and a session of re-watching episodes of gossip girl.

If I was to give advice to anyone who is starting sixth form or is already in sixth form but is struggling and feels like they’re being left behind it would be: be patient. Not everyone gets it right the first time round. Sixth form can be really overwhelming but sooner or later you’ll get the hang of it but for now, you need to trust that over time, you will get better at whatever you’re doing. At the end of the day, school is for learning, so if you feel like you’re behind remember that the people around you don’t know everything, just like you, they are still adapting and learning. Finally, slow down! Remember that you matter most, don’t push yourself, work at your own pace and take care of your mental health, even if it involves eating a whole tub of ice cream!