It’s your 22-year-old self here, reassuring you that it's all going to be okay!
Three years of university went by very quickly, but you had an amazing time and made the best of friends.
Firstly, well done! You have already achieved so much by finishing your A-Levels! Even though you didn't get the grades you wanted, you can celebrate because you're still going to university, and a great one as well!
I know things seem scary at the moment as you did not expect to go to university through clearing and you’re a bit heartbroken, but I promise it was all a blessing in disguise. You actually used your experience to guide other people through the process and even got to interview an Olympian on overcoming setbacks, which is definitely blessing in disguise!
Let’s have a run-down of what is in store for you because you did a lot in your three years at Hull…
Sophie Crane, Law Student
Choosing Hull meant you were guaranteed accommodation and you even got an en-suite (priorities). You got on really well with your new flatmates and you enjoyed going out with them, especially to Welly on a Saturday night. You joined Hull University Dance Squad (your best decision after accepting your offer at Hull) and met people would become your best friends. In your final year you even became Vice President of the squad, which filled you with so much pride! This was such a fun experience, and although it was during the pandemic you still enjoyed virtual dance classes and supporting your teammates.
However, amongst all the fun you were having outside of your degree you did not forget that some work had to be done! You have always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and throughout your three years at Hull you wanted to get the most out of your course. Some of the things you got involved with included: the Law Clinic, Client Interviewing, the Law Ball... You were even a finalist in a National Law Competition! Spoiler Alert! Everything you did paid off because you graduated with a First!
Sophie Crane at her graduation ceremony
My advice to you is have fun and keep working hard to achieve your dreams because clearing doesn’t stop you from doing so, it’s just a temporary hurdle. Whilst I am writing this you have just finished the Legal Practice Course and you have just been offered a Training Contract which means you will be a Trainee Solicitor! It required a lot of hard work and determination but what you thought was impossible is possible!
In hindsight, your grades do not define you and by no means does it mean you are a failure! You are so much more than a letter on a piece of paper!
Clearing was not the end of the world as you thought it would be and you have managed to achieve a lot because of it - not despite it! Clearing brought opportunities you never thought you would have! So remember to still dream big and I hope in a few years I will be telling you I have qualified as a Solicitor! Now that would be a huge achievement!
Best wishes,
Sophie
Clearing was not the end of the world for Sophie