Moving from Self-Pity to Celebration

I got a U in Chemistry AS-level.?

This was probably the lowest I had ever felt - my anxiety was sky high and the result seemed to affirm that belief that I was a failure (not true!) yet this was a mentality that had taken a hold of me during my time at that 6th form. Before this experience I had never internalised such self-limiting beliefs (no more than the average person) but that changed then.

I made the move from a state school comprehensive to an all girl's grammar school and the environmental shift was seismic.

I was under intense pressure in an environment that:?

• Had no real support for mental health.?
• Shamed you for not meeting academic expectations.?
• Didn't support diversity of learning styles outside of the old-fashioned self-learning from a textbook.

It was an alien environment for me and it reached the point that it began to effect me physically. I suffered with heart palpitations before going to lessons and my stomach would be in knots - not a healthy or sustainable feeling for you to have to manage on a daily basis.

On results day I decided to move to a different school.?

I have never felt so empowered in a decision I have made.?

Shifting environments was daunting but ultimately provided me with a place where I felt:

1. Seen
2. Valued
3. Supported

Three things we should all feel in our personal and professional life and I would be keen to know how many of you feel all three of these things at work?

What did the new environment do for me?

It gave me the space and freedom to explore my academic interests with teachers who nurtured my learning and affirmed me. I changed my A-levels and went from feeling like I was constantly staying afloat to thriving academically.

I left the 6th form with A*AA in my A-levels and an offer from my first choice university (University of Bristol).

What is my point then?

The environments we end up in are such an integral part of our personal growth and the results for me were staggering.

If you find yourself in an environment that impacts your nervous system, your mental health and starts to hinder your productivity then consider whether this is the right environment for you.

There is never any shame for taking yourself out of environments that simply do not serve you.

Paying it forward! Someone you should know ...

Selena Coles is the founder of I'm the founder of BUILD Networks for Good. She supports organisations with building long last communities and partnerships.

What made my connection with Selena stand out?

She was so authentic and supportive off the bat. We had a virtual coffee to discuss careers and she was so beyond helpful in giving me clarity - we bonded over my love of the USA and recent business launch.

She also was the first to gently tell me that I might be trying to do too much all at once which was something I had considered but hadn't done much about. Hearing her learnings was very affirming with my own journey and I am so glad we're connected and that I get to see her own growth.

I cannot express how important it is to connect with people that pay it forward and help you rise.

Thank You For the Support

As always thank you for following my business journey and for the support with everything.

If you ever fancy a virtual coffee you know where to find me ??.