
So summer is over, you’ve had your holidays, recharged your batteries, picked up your exam results, and now everyone is going back to school, college, training or university. It’s the next chapter of your life. Time to get back into that routine. If you are anything like I was at your age you’ll be dreading the structure and workload that has so rudely interrupted your summer holiday bliss. But don’t forget why you are in education. If you’re under 18 you may respond to that comment by saying that “I’m in education because I have to be”. Now that may be technically true but, look at it this way, education is the passport to your future. You put the work in now you will reap the rewards later in life.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fun. Of course you should have fun. Your days at school, college or university should be the best of your life. How many times have you heard that, right? But it’s true. I would give pretty much anything to have those days over. Some things I would do the same and some I would do very differently. But what is important is you make the most of the opportunities that come your way. We are lucky enough to live in a country where education is free up to the age of 18 (don’t get me started on university fees!). So get what you can out of it while you can so you are in the best possible position when it is time to start your career. Because, believe me, you do not want to look back and say “if only…………..”. It is such an exciting time of your life; the world really is your oyster so go out and grab the opportunities given to you with both hands.

Some of you will have a very specific vision of what you want to do with your lives and others will have no clue, but that’s ok. Whether you have a detailed plan, a vague interest, or literally no idea, you will want to be successful. A positive educational experience coupled with your qualifications, whatever they may be, are the building blocks to your brighter future.
You may be of the mind-set that working life is an age away but, believe me, time rolls around quickly. So set some goals, work towards them, and achieve.
Do it for yourself. You deserve it.