We live in a society where comparison of our lives is all around us, especially in education. A lot of the time, there are next steps to think about but often it feels like this is expected by society or felt through peer pressure.

It’s now been over a year since the start of COVID-19, an ongoing global pandemic.

As a child I can remember talks about not talking to strangers; not getting into a stranger’s car; and  if a stranger should approach you then run away and find help from a shopkeeper or parent with a child, if you can find one.

2020. What a year. Previous to this year I was working hard at keeping myself mentally healthy – I’d struggled in the past with feeling anxious.

There’s this memory I have that I’m pretty ashamed of… it’s of being in primary school and sitting next to my best friend Charlotte.

Back last summer, we were in the garden eating our dinner at a little marquee when a wasp appeared. I noticed it at the other end of the table and I immediately began to feel terrified.

Picture the scene: I’m in the cafeteria of a police station in London, where my brother has been showing me around. I’m queueing up for some breakfast and feeling unbelievably nervous surrounded by so many police officers.

As you scroll through your social media feeds, you see someone post about a recent success in their life…

I vividly remember not being able to spell the word ‘family’. I was little (I’ve no idea how old) but I remember sitting in our dining room writing an anniversary card to my mum and dad.

I’ve recently started running. When I say running, it’s more like a walk/run at a less than moderate pace.