Follow your hopes not your fears
How to be hopeful in difficult times
10/28/20262 min read
A lot can happen in a year, and in today’s political and global climate that is truer than ever. It is possible to look at the current jobs market and wonder whether a degree is worth the effort and money, bearing in mind the high unemployment for graduates. However, many theologians and philosophers remind us of the importance of hope. Christian tradition states that Faith , Hope and Charity/Love are essential factors of being human, and Christopher Reeve (of superman fame) once said “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible”. So my message for the year ahead is to choose hope.
In practical terms what does this mean? It means for those in Year 13, apply to University in the current cycle, if you are even remotely considering it. It is much easier to submit an application this autumn, with all the support from school staff, and then withdraw or defer in the summer next year, than to access Clearing. Apply in hope and give it your very best shot. Choose a Course and location that you would enjoy learning, and then forge ahead on your studies, taking all the extra opportunities you can to learn the soft skills that employers so desire at the same time. Team work, leadership, organisation, independence of thought, communication skills are as essential as good grades – be the one who volunteers to help in the lower school or in the community, so that you are as well rounded a person as you can be. You can also apply to both university and apprenticeships, so be hopeful and keep an eye out for apprenticeships later in the school year, and keep all your options hopeful.
For those in Year 12, living in hope means, looking forward to discovering what your future could be. Make the most of every opportunity to find out more about a wide range of careers, courses and volunteering options. This way you will meet the government mantra of “being prepared” for whatever the future may hold. Live in hope -the future is bright. To quote Nelson Mandela “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”