Mike's story

Mike is an 18 year-old A-level student. This is his story.

My favourite part of the day is the early morning walk over the valley to college. I love living in the Peak District, the views are breathtaking. It makes me wonder about the beauty of life, but also helps me think of my own life which hasn’t always been easy.

I’ve been in care for nearly ten years, and a lot has happened in that time. I’ve been in sixteen different placements, sixteen different schools, and each time I have had to change and adapt to what everybody wanted me to be. I realised a while ago that I don’t have to be anything. I can be whoever I want to be. It’s my life.

Walking is what I call ‘me time’. A time of deep thought and reflection. The strangest things flicker across my mind as I sink into my own little world. Thoughts of my family and the life I left behind; I think of myself growing older each day and my determination to become the best person I can. Just because you’re in care, doesn’t mean you can’t be like everyone else. You can be whoever you want to be, and achieve whatever you want to achieve. It’s your right! Nobody can take that away from you. Nobody can take your dreams.

The one important thing to remember is that whoever we are, and however we started out in life, we all have to work hard if we want our dreams to become a reality. Sure, we aren’t all Einstein; some of us find studying easier than others, it’s the luck of the draw. Most of us have to put hard graft into getting qualifications; others seem to achieve them easily. Whether you’re one of the lucky few, or the hardworking majority, it’s important to realise that you can achieve them.

Making the jump to A levels

A-levels are difficult, but I suppose everything is to some degree. The beginning of A-levels is the most difficult part; there is so much to learn, and all at a more intense level than GCSEs. Don’t despair though! Teachers are always behind you, to help you...and set lots of homework. The work load is immense and the homework is something that makes GCSEs look like a weekly spelling test. But as mentioned before we all have to work for these things; they’re well worth the effort.

Once college has finished for the day, I tend to do homework in my room. I find it difficult to muster the determination to finish a mountain of work, but I eventually struggle through. The extended deadlines and lack of sleep come in very handy!

Just in case I’m putting you off, A levels aren’t that scary, the difference between GCSEs and A level is a big one, but the social life - should you choose to put yourself out there, get noticed and meet some cool new people - is brilliant. Bedtime is a welcome time in my eyes. After I’ve done the usual routine of homework, more homework and most importantly television - get your priorities right soap lovers! - I crash out on my bed grabbing that all important beauty sleep before waking, walking and studying again tomorrow.

You have to be in control of your own life, and lead it in the way that you want. Chase those dreams and aspirations that you have! Only you truly know what will make you happy in life. You can achieve anything you want to, as long as you have determination and hope. Being in care can make you seem different, but you are just the same as everyone else. Think of the word ‘care’. Others may not have cared for you in your past, but this is your future so you should care about that. After all, you deserve it.