The 10 years from now project is a mental health project aimed at sending a message from the class of 2010 to the class of 2020. Ten years on from when we left school I’ve asked fellow classmates and those who left school in 2010 about the anxiety’s they experienced leaving school and the advice they would give to this years school leavers.
Inspired by my work with children and young people I wanted to find a way to offer reassurance that the anxieties experienced now are normal, and that while things may not work out as planned, they can always be worked out. Supporting young people with anxiety has never been more relevant and the impact of Coronavirus been seen across all generations. For school leavers this time of year should be filled with a mixture of emotions; laughter at how everyone met, anxiety about how life will be beyond the school walls, excitement about new opportunities and travel to new places. Perhaps there is relief that this chapter is coming to an end, sadness at changing friendships and confusion about what to feel next. Whatever those feelings may be, they are all valid, all real and we felt them too. While we may not have left school during a global pandemic, I assure you we experienced many of the same thoughts and feelings as you do now. I hope that reading through some of our thoughts will place some of your own worries at ease.
“This 10 years from now project is about the class of 2010 looking back, to help the class of 2020 look forward.”
Dr Patricia Barber
From the class of 2010…
“I think the class of 2020 could feel like everything’s against them. Whether the exams go ahead or not during this time, getting into uni isn’t the only thing in your future. The whole world is having to adapt to this time of change. I’m not sure if I was in school if I could see past the next few months, so I think this is a good opportunity for us to tell you that everything will be ok. If I could go back I’d tell myself to go easy on myself and don’t feel like I need to have it all worked out.” – Classmate of 2010 & Biomedical Scientist
“I grew up in a very academic- focused school which was excellent in helping me get good grades in exams and help me to where I am today- working as a doctor in a hospital. I feel that teenagers who are anxious should use their anxiety to focus on their exams to help them in their future.” Classmate of 2010, Blanaid Canavan, Doctor (Medical Registrar).
“Stay focused. Give it 100% so you have no regrets. Stress and anxiety is normal and it will prepare you for the same feelings you will experience at uni or when employed. If you work hard now you will appreciate it later in life. Do it for yourself and no one else. If stress gets too much go for a walk or relax. Block out social media best you can as what and who seems important now wont be in 10 years time.” – Classmate of 2010 & Solicitor
“If I could remember 10 years ago this would be a lot easier. But it just goes to show, whatever I was worried about then isn’t on my mind now. I’ve travelled places I never imagined I be, I’ve lived in different cities all over the world and I’ve worked in many different sectors. I’ve only got the job I wanted 10 years ago this year, but those years in between so much has happened. I wouldn’t change them, worries and all. I’d say to the class of 2020 that your life is really just getting started and you have a world that is so full of opportunities. If you go to university – put the books down every so often and don’t forget to live a little, laugh a lot, and find good people to make mistakes with!” – Classmate of 2010
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or if you are need in someone to talk to I’ve put together a number of useful numbers and organisations you reach out to for support here
“I think 10 years ago I thought that getting into the university I wanted to go to was the most important thing. I remember it being a time of great stress and a constant worry until the exam results came out. I’m not sure I could tell you now what I got in my A levels. But it all worked itself out. Some of us went to uni and some of us took a year out. My advice would be to do what feels right for you and whatever decisions you make, try to make the most of them.” – Classmate of 2010
“Work hard now so you give yourself the best chance later on. It’s ok to have no idea what you want to do but pick something and give it your all. You can always change your mind later and the skills you learn will help along the way. If you feel anxious talk to people, tell your parents, tell the school and ask for help. I wish I’d been easier on myself and asked for more help. Keep talking to people until you find someone who listens! Good luck!” – Classmate of 2010 & Engineer
“I didn’t got to university straight of school and it was the best thing that happened. For anyone who misses the grades or doesn’t feel ready to go I’d say take the break. Things work out in the end, I went to university when I was ready and was able to make the most of it. I know you will be stressed about exams but take care of yourself too. Take the coffee breaks and go for a walk. Try keep what’s happening now in perspective as this is one year of many in your life.” – Classmate of 2010
“Uni was a worry as I’d never been away from home. I felt ready for a change from school but also knew there’d be lots I would miss from home” -Classmate of 2010 & English teacher
“I was really worried about my exams and making the right choice after uni. If I could go back now I’d try tell myself that you will make it work whatever happens.” -Classmate of 2010
If you left school in 2010 and would like to participate in this project you can do so by clicking here
Dr Patricia Barber 