SOPHIE’S UPDATE

Sophie, since the first issue, where we featured a letter you wrote to your younger self alongside the advice you’d offer her, lots more amazing things have happened. Can you tell us more?

Back then I was getting on well, I was starting to see I was the author of my own destiny after finally leaving an abusive relationship. I was going to the gym at Vulcan and being supported by Giroscope, my self confidence was growing. I was also applying to go to college.

Now “I'm thriving, not just surviving!” My life has developed so much. I enrolled into Hull College in September 2021 and completed with almost full distinctions. Throughout that time, I applied to Hull University, being offered a place to study psychology. I am just finishing my first year. I continue to engage with Giroscope and Vulcan, along with representing them through charity fundraising – which I never thought I would have the confidence to do in a million years! Both are amazing. I would not be here without their support and belief in me!

Although college was an amazing experience, it was also a difficult road, not just academically but due to diagnoses of combined type ADHD and Dyslexia. Being 27 and receiving a diagnosis of ADHD was difficult at first, going through the assessments and understanding what ADHD is, left me questioning who I was, and how it was missed for so long. I kept asking “does this change who I am!” After spending so much time in the past figuring out my identity, after being in an abusive domestic relationship, I thought I had that sussed. But I began to question that again. After this period of uncertainty I realised it does not change who I am, it simply explains my little quirks! Whilst at college I represented my course through our Student Voice meetings, a space in which we could air issues and suggestions on behalf of our classmates and their college experience. The skills I have gained through my continued work with Vulcan and Giroscope enabled me to have the confidence to air suggestions which will improve student support.

So, what does the future look like for Sophie? I am continuing to work with Vulcan and Giroscope to gain work experience in the services they provide, to support me whilst studying. But on my degree I plan to specialise in the clinical modules in my third year and then apply for a clinical fast-track doctorate after completing the degree. Amazing hey?