Recently, I have been reflecting on a lot of personal things on the blog. A fact that has led me to being more free. Lighter. Relieved. Writing can be a beautiful thing. Even if you aren’t the best at it, it can really help. Appearing on the radio, I was asked what was something that I had been told I couldn’t do, but went on and did well in. Well, I think writing is just that. 

When I was at school, I was told that I would never be a journalist. My English teacher even asked me if I knew what journalism was when I applied to do it at university. She would never mark my work above an E or a D, yet I knew I could write essays, as I was getting B’s and A’s in my other subjects. 

She spoke down to me. Made me cry a lot of the time. I hated everything to do with my A Level English Literature lessons in the end. I wanted to quit. I wanted to just not get a qualification, because she made me feel stupid. Like there was no point. Yet, I kept going. I proved her wrong. 

Going to university, I worked hard and came away with a first class degree. In journalism. I got firsts in many of my units, not all, but in lots. Walking across that stage, I had a swag to my walk because I was aware that not only had I worked hard, I had proved her wrong. I could write and I could do it well. 

Before I even went to university, I started this blog. I know that looking back, I have improved with my writing. I have learnt a lot. All of which has come from myself and the other teachers who left an amazing impact on me. The ones who had faith in me. The ones who helped me, as they thought I was a good writer. I worked hard for not only myself and my family, but also for them. 

When the radio asked me this question, it got me thinking. Why did I not celebrate this fact more? Well, here it is. I am going to shout it from the rooftops now. I am proud of myself. I am proud of my degree. I am proud of getting the highest mark in the country in film studies, the year I did it. I am proud of how I have worked in journalism ever since. I am proud of the ways I have used it. 

Mostly, I am proud of this blog. I am proud to speak to all of you. I am proud to have proved that teacher wrong. I am someone and so are you. Don’t ever let anyone say you can’t do something. You can do anything. You don’t have to have a grade or a degree to prove it. Just a passion. When you have that, you can do anything. I have faith in you. I will always believe in you. Thank you Babs for asking me that question. For allowing me to feel proud of myself again. To celebrate this win will always make me happy. And a smile is everything!

Joey X