Rebecca’s relationship with English has been complicated.
As a child, she’d freely read and write. Then, as she moved to secondary school, her relationship with English changed.
Teachers and peers were critical instead of constructive. Anxiety took hold for a long time. When she put pen to paper, she’d rip it up before the ink dried. She avoided writing. Because, for Rebecca, writing meant judgement.
Years later, she no longer wanted to associate English with judgement, for it to be a subject she endured.
Since joining a two-year GCSE class, Rebecca has rediscovered her love of reading and writing and it’s clear to see. She energises discussions. Her observations of language illuminate texts.
Writing fears at times have still lingered. Fearful of feedback, she missed classes as anxiety tightened its grip again. Rebecca, however, found her way back to the classroom. And through quiet perseverance, she’s discovered writing does not have to mean judgement. There is joy to be found.
Some days are better than others. Some days the words flow and some days they do not. But the tight grip anxiety once held has eased. Her curiosity and joy for language is back.
Rebecca is now more patient with herself. She is more trusting of her words and ideas. All who met her are grateful because Rebecca’s voice is insightful and powerful.
She has so much to offer the world.
