What was Discovery College Like for Me?
“I’m not the only one…”
For me I'd say, being a part of those projects showed me that I'm definitely not the only one…. (it) helped me realise that it's not necessarily you on your own, and that you can – and you do – have people you can speak to all the time. - J
“That indirect way of helping….”
You make new friends, and you talk with them as well, and for some people that indirect way of helping is a lot better than sitting down and straightaway saying what’s wrong with them, and talking quite openly about my mental health. - A
“Talking to new people…”
I didn’t want to be around big groups, I didn’t want to talk to new people. But now I am quite like, ‘OK, I’m sure they’re going to be nice. Just think back to when you had to go into Discovery College for the first time, you did that, everyone was really supportive.’ And it is just really nice. - K
“A good mix of people…”
Everyone has thoughts and feelings, and everyone's going to respond well to something. They might not even say or share what they're feeling. But if you don't feel like you have a voice, well, the truth is that you do. - P
“Confident that you could be heard…”
With learning in schools, like, not everyone understands you as such, and you can’t speak freely about your opinions, because there’s always someone there to judge you. Whereas with Discovery College, you could basically say what you wanted, and you could be confident that you could be heard, and your opinion mattered. - N
“That’s fine either way.”
There’s more support for young people. When maybe we came to a group, and we didn’t feel up to something, it was fully supported. You could go for a walk. You could sit outside for a minute. You could do something. Discovery College offers lots and lots of time for you. - K
“Meeting someone I clicked with”
When I've found someone that I've really clicked with, really connected with, it makes all the difference. - J
“I’m more confident now…”
After attending these courses I feel a lot more confident, and more articulate when I talk, and I definitely feel like I know how to go to someone, and say, ‘Hi, my name is…’, and then form a friendship, and for someone who couldn’t do that previously, I think it’s amazing that I can now do that. That’s a skill I can use for the rest of my life. - A
“Sticking with something…”
There is a lot of value with sticking with something. Especially when it is difficult, because often where something's difficult it's almost an encouragement that whatever you're doing is working, and there's something even better around the corner if you just keep going.” - J
“I can do anything…”
So, what I took from that (working on and performing in the ‘Being Human’ drama project) is, just because I have ADHD does not mean I can't do anything. It doesn't stop me doing anything at all. It gave me a lot of strength and a lot of determination and confidence in myself. - J
“It took a lot of courage. I’m glad I did it…”
(About doing a solo dance at the end of year show)
I’ve danced before, but I hadn’t danced for a long time, not in front of people. And it took a lot of courage, but I knew I was supported by everyone there. And I was so nervous, but when I got up on that stage, I just thought, I looked round and saw everyone looking and smiling and I just thought, ‘This is an amazing group of people. Just show them your dance, I’m sure they’re going to love it.’ It’s exactly what I did, and everyone did. I’m glad I did it. - K
“Friends who can help you through the worst of situations…”
