This week I have been faced with a very difficult choice that could change the path im on at the moment. Ive been offered an audition for a music school in the highlands, however, I live in the borders. This means becoming a 5 day resident at the school, and having to come home on the weekends as the school closes for the weekends. This is an amazing opportunity, but im not sure how it will affect my grades and the like.
I would like to go into music technology, and go to university for it, and as my school at the moment doesnt run a music tech course im not sure if ill get the qualifications i need for uni. This is a pro of the music school as they do have a course. Im just worried about other implications of changing to the school. Do you have any advice?
Sam
Hi there,
Being faced with a difficult decision can be very scary and stressful but it can also mean the start of something different, a new path to follow, or being involved in something interesting and exciting. It’s good to look at all sides when thinking about what to do.
Approaching a decision or choice in a calm and methodical way can help. Making a list of good and bad things about each option can be a good place to start. Try to think about what it will be like and how it will affect you if you do choose to go – but also how you’ll feel if you choose not to go.
An audition might seem like it’s all about whether you have the skill to join the course but it could be an opportunity to find out if the school is right for you. You can look at the accommodation, possibly meet other students and speak to them about their experience, talk to the teachers about support and reassurance about meeting your grades and goals. It would also be okay to speak to your existing school about grades and your worries about changing schools.
Sometimes a decision is so hard to make that you feel anxious, stressed and might have difficulty sleeping. Talking or writing about the decision, your fears and worries can help to get them out of your head and give you some peace. You can then go back to them and talk again, share them with a friend, a trusted adult or a Childline counsellor.
Often though, only you can make the decision and once it’s made it can make you feel calmer and more confident. Remember that every choice can be good and bad, and you never know where things will lead to, so one way to look at it is that it’s important to focus on what'll make you happy right now.
Thanks for your letter.
Take care,
Sam
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