This decision was to either continue attending college or to try something new in its place. Attending college has previously brought many challenges, but as a result Josh has matured and he is now considering continuing into his second year after many changes. This is not an easy decision to make for anyone, and especially if you suffer from anxiety.
The half hour journey into college, Josh plays his music to me and teaches me about bands and celebrities; something we both look forward to especially on a Monday morning. This particular Monday morning, Josh seemed a little quieter than normal as he wasn’t sure whether to return to his second year. My initial response was to encourage and think about reasons why he should continue the course, but then I remembered one bit of advice I had when making a big decision: ‘only you can make the right decision, everyone will support you whichever way you choose”. Those words I echoed to Josh , as he would receive support, regardless of the decision, from his family and MacIntyre.
Josh thought about this for a while and said “this was easier when I was a child and even teenager” which I had to agree with! But he faced the day to see what this Monday in college had in store.
Josh came to an independent decision to talk to his personal tutor before deciding for certain. This was a very mature response and I supported him to organise an appointment using the student reception. Josh took the lead and asked independently to book an appointment to see her. He then made another great decision that day; to not join his peers on the computer during free time, but to write notes so he could remember what to say to his personal tutor the following day. We discussed the points before he wrote them down in note form.
I was so happy that I did not try to sway or encourage Josh to continue doing something because it is deemed what he should be doing, but instead supported him to make the small decisions that will aid him in his big decision, as it seemed Josh already had it sorted.
Josh has taken many steps in the right direction already, regardless of where the steps may lead him.
Stacey Keegan
Graduate Community Learning Facilitator
No Limits, North West