Daft Old Duffer returns. Guest opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. Ed
The recent league table of examination results has naturally given rise to considerable gloom among the Island’s parents. And a deal of resentment amongst kids who have been judged failures before they’ve even started.
Let me reassure everyone then. From my own experience, all is far from lost
A lazy slob (with qualifications)
I was quite a lazy slob at school, with no sign anywhere – certainly not from my parents, of any sort of inspiration. I drifted along around 30-ish in a class of 32, did absolutely no revision whatever for my GCSEs – which I had been assured I had no chance of passing anyway – and to my entire amazement gained the equivalent of seven ‘O’ levels.
(I remember clearly one was in French, of which I could speak barely a word at the time, so it all must have been quite ludicrously easy)
Engineering apprentice gave me a kickstart
Leaving school with a sigh or relief and absolutely no idea what sort of job I should aim for, I answered an advert in the local paper for an engineering apprentice and thus, by sheer chance happened on a career which inspired me enough to start studying and which after carting me around the world more than once, ended by plonking me into a position quite high up in middle management with near a hundred tradesmen, foremen and chargehands under my wing.
So, hardly the life-failure all my teachers presumed I was going to be.
From teaboy to Professor
I was a far from alone. I have a friend who was told, quite frankly that the most he could expect from life was some kind of menial position. His first job was as a sort of teaboy come sweeper up in a research laboratory. He is now a Professor.
And another who started with a shop job and ended as Manager of a highly technical department in a very large organisation.
Drifting up high
I can introduce you to a man who spent his youth drifting aimlessly about with not a care, or a qualification in the world, who retired as Head sales manager for an internationally famous organisation.
I could go on. Instead I’ll end with a relative of mine who had no academic flair whatsoever but who has ended in position, though not high in the snob stakes, suits him very happily and well, and is quite financially rewarding as well.
It’s all about motivation
The moral of all this is school leaving results are not the be-all and end-all. Far from it. All that counts in the end is motivation.
I realise this may be hollow advice for us here on the Island, but find something that catches your interest – whatever it is – and stick with it. Chances are, you will progress.
And bear in minds, parents and kids, once you’re on your way, nobody cares what qualifications you have or have not got. All that matters is ability and dedication
Good luck to you all.
Image: Motivated Blog under CC BY 2.0
