Reflections on 2025, The Year of Academic Transition

By Hannah Christie

It is likely that you will see the most change in the 18th year of your life. You’ll become a legal adult and have the rights to do a lot of things, but it is likely you will see the most change in your academic journey. Sitting A Levels, completing T-Levels or BTECs, having to go through the UCAS process, receiving university offers, accepting them…rejecting them. And of course, results day. 

Academic Highs, Lows, and Everything In Between

The year started with stress about A-Levels, past papers, coursework and late nights in the library. Analysing grade boundaries, examiners reports and feedback on essays. I was unsure if I would make it in the end. One risk I took was applying to universities in America, I didn’t have support from charities or agencies. I did the research all by myself and applied to 5 universities. In the end, I got into Howard University, a HBCU (Historically Black College/University) in Washington, DC. Due to a number of reasons, I couldn’t attend in the end, but this taught me more about myself and my determination. I don’t have any regrets about not going in the end. I often find myself thinking about what would happen if I went, almost like an alternate timeline.  Maybe it was for the best. 

The Moments That Defined the Year

Results day was my most anticipated day of the year. I went to bed late hoping that my results would be out by the time I got up and I wouldn’t have to spend the morning waiting for a university decision. When I logged into my UCAS and saw that my first choice university had confirmed my place to study my chosen course, my heart was racing. I now think about the relief I felt, the sheer joy of knowing that my hard work had gotten me somewhere. To be completely honest I believe that no matter what had happened on the 14th August 2025, I would be okay, and my self-worth wasn’t attached to my academic performance, or the reputation of the university I would attend. 

What We’re Taking Forward

I’m now about to end the first term of my first year of university. It’s surreal to be honest, I’m living in an answered prayer. I have found a community of friends on-campus. If you’re attending university for the first time next year, or you are sitting exams, my biggest piece of advice is to take consistency into the new year. Progress beats perfection, you don’t need to be perfect or good to start, small habits build over time. If I can do it, so can you. 

It’s only up from here :)