A-Levels drained my mental health. My gap year helped me recover.
Author: Kate Cole
Kate inspired young people on her gap year as a Yipiyap tutor, and now studies Archaeology at Cardiff University.
“I found that during my A-levels my mental health became severely affected and this put added pressure on the need to succeed. Unfortunately, I lost touch with other important things in my life and so I didn’t feel prepared to move on to university as I had pushed myself so hard that I almost lost myself in the exams.
Taking a gap year and becoming an in-school tutor for Yipiyap has encouraged me to discover what I love to do as I found hobbies again, practised self-care routines and more. It has been invaluable to learn how to cook for myself, eat better, exercise, as well as manage my workload. I feel confident that I will be able to balance my university work and take care of myself much better than before. Overall, I believe this will make me more stable and happier when I do get to university”.
“...I didn’t feel mentally or professionally ready for university”
How can I enhance my employability skills?
“Working for Yipiyap also allowed me to improve my time management and prioritisation skills, which were previously very weak. In school, I was always that person who loved to colour-code everything, I had an ever-growing collection of pens, pastel highlighters, and other stationery. However, I never properly learned how to organise my time, stop procrastinating, and prioritise tasks on my list. I would often say, 'I'll do that later,' or leave things to the last minute. But with work, that's not possible. Even when I'm feeling unmotivated, I still must make sure the work is completed to the best of my ability. This has been valuable because it has allowed me to learn how to produce high-quality work through discipline rather than relying solely on motivation. I believe this will serve me well with any University work I have next year, any future jobs I have, and other responsibilities I will have to manage when I am living independently (such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry) even when I don't feel like doing them”.
How can I improve communication as a life skill?
“Before working for Yipiyap, I was always very anxious about my communication abilities. For example, even sending a simple email would stress me out. However, over the past year working for Yipiyap, I feel like I've found my voice. I've had the opportunity to work with so many different people, people I would have never met otherwise. This has allowed me to learn how to communicate effectively in a professional environment. I am a completely different person from who I was last year, and I now genuinely feel ready for university and the next steps in my life. I am more confident, happier, and feel in control of my future”.
Recovering from the mental-health challenges of A-Levels
”Yipiyap has also given me the opportunity to pause and re-evaluate my future. During Year 13, I hit some major 'bumps in the road' when it came to my next steps as I was rejected by my dream university, and I didn't attain the A-level results I was hoping for. This had a very negative impact on my mental health, my attitude toward learning, and my self-assurance regarding my abilities – both in education and as a person. However, going through those challenges has taught me valuable life lessons. It has shown me that I am capable and has equipped me with skills that will support me in the future. I have learned to reflect on my priorities, embrace self-care, seek support and guidance, and embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth”.
“My life is only mine and I am finally going to live it the way that I want to.”
How will a gap year enhance my time at university?
“As I embark on my next steps, I am confident that my growth over the past year will greatly benefit me. Improved time management and prioritisation skills will enable me to effectively balance my workload and personal well-being at university. The enhanced communication abilities I have gained will empower me to confidently interact with peers, lecturers, and potential employers, alleviating the anxiety I used to feel when sending emails or engaging in professional conversations. Moreover, the resilience and adaptability I have developed through overcoming challenges and setbacks will be invaluable in navigating the uncertainties and demands of university life”.
“Yipiyap has not only taught me practical skills but also instilled in me a sense of self-assurance and confidence. I now believe in my capabilities as both a student and an individual. This newfound self-belief will drive me to tackle new academic and personal challenges with a positive mindset, enabling me to make the most of my university experience and future opportunities.”
Why should you embrace tutoring?
“Reflecting on the past year with Yipiyap, I have come to appreciate the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I have learned that taking the time to nurture my well-being, engage in activities I love, and seek support when needed is not a sign of weakness but a crucial aspect of personal growth. I will carry this understanding forward, ensuring that I prioritise self-care alongside my academic pursuits.
Yipiyap has given me the confidence to re-evaluate my plans and adapt to new circumstances. I now understand that setbacks and changes in direction are not necessarily negative but can lead to unexpected opportunities and a fulfilling life journey.
I truly believe that taking a gap year gave me the chance to do this. I am grateful for the growth I have experienced during my time with Yipiyap, and I am excited to apply these lessons and skills as I navigate University and beyond”.
Should I take a gap year?
“YES! My advice to those seeking to mature before their next step is to prioritise self-care, embrace challenges, seek support, and reflect on their priorities. Developing strong time management, communication, and resilience skills will greatly assist in the transition to university or any new phase of life. By incorporating these principles into their lives, individuals can embark on their next steps with confidence, happiness, and a sense of control over their future. I truly believe that taking a gap year gave me the chance to do this. I am grateful for the growth I have experienced during my time with Yipiyap, and I am excited to apply these lessons and skills as I navigate University and beyond”.
If you would like to develop your organisation, communication, and resilience before university like Kate, read more about becoming a Yipiyap tutor.