I started sixth form in September 2019, right after finishing secondary school in June – coincidentally, around the time of prom. Before enrolling in sixth form, my mum was uncertain where to send me. Sometime between June and September, I almost enrolled in a large college. I remember attending the induction days, where you'd supposedly meet new people, learn more about the subjects you wished to study, and familiarize yourself with the building.
On the first day, we received information about a variety of subjects we could attend. Unsure which ones to choose, I settled on computer science, Spanish, and French. Being fluent in both Spanish and French, I felt it was a better choice than others. However, computer science wasn't for me. I remember feeling uncomfortable during the introduction, with random people talking negatively about me. This wasn't new; it always happened. However, the teachers in the Spanish and French classes were friendly, and everyone seemed to have prior knowledge of the languages, so I felt more at ease there.
During my brief time, I encountered a few students from my primary and secondary schools. Eventually, my mum was informed about a temporary sixth form placement from September 2019 to January 2020, which I joined. Fortunately, I didn't have to stay longer due to lockdown and the pandemic. Before starting, I dreaded it. The idea of being in a classroom full of strangers without friends seemed daunting. On the first day, I felt isolated, observing others who already seemed acquainted.
At lunchtime, I sat alone in the cafeteria, feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. Just when I was about to leave, a girl approached me, introducing herself and inviting me to hang out with her and her friends. It felt like a miracle. From then on, I made friends effortlessly. The subjects I studied were Business studies, Maths, and English Language. Fortunately, I didn't have to retake English Language due to a good remark on my GCSE exam.
During lessons, I found myself lazy, but my newfound friends made the experience enjoyable. As months passed, we hung out and supported each other. When lockdown hit in January 2020, all schools closed, and exams were canceled. This brought relief, as we were all awarded good grades without sitting exams. Still, I would have passed them anyway.
Returning to sixth form after lockdown brought back familiar feelings of anxiety. Again, I found myself alone until a girl invited me to hang out with her friends. This time, I was stunned but grateful for the gesture. Over time, we became friends, and I felt more comfortable.
In this second stint, I studied BTEC Sport and Applied Science. Initially challenging, I found them easier with hard work. The supportive atmosphere in my sports class made the experience worthwhile. We were like a family, always looking out for each other.
On another note, there were a couple of moments where the attitudes of some such as students or an individual from the catering team would direct negative energy towards me for no reason whatsoever. I learned that individuals who are not happy with themselves, who are not doing well it seems, are the ones who are bullies. These people will pry on you for being a loner or perhaps not knowing something and instead of explaining, they will reveal their stinking attitude. Yet, despite giving your all, being nice and unbothersome, they continue to be pricks all through their lives. Not naming and shaming anyone, they're already living shameful, miserable lives lol. As someone who always minds their own business, avoids people and communication, mostly because of the bad everywhere and in the world, I believe that there is good people and there is bad people and that's pretty much as clear as it gets. It really saddens me that someone is easily able to pick on someone else for just minding their own business and going about their day, and I always think, "Why me?" But, if I'm the only one getting all of it, then I'll take it over anyone else ever having to. Transitioning from primary school, to secondary, to sixth-form, and finally university, I wonder when these bad moments will finally end. Everywhere I go it just never ends. The only safe place I know where it is certain nothing unsettling will come about, is indoors at home, in my room. Look for the purest of heart in people, nothing less.
On results day in June 2022, I achieved excellent grades in both courses and was on my way to starting university in September. To my amazing teachers who always went above and beyond for us, I thank you deeply.