I Got a 2.1

Sitting here with streams of tears running down my face but so happy.  This morning I found out that my degree has been confirmed, a 2.1 with honours.  And only now is it sinking in.

A 2.1, not that special, so many get them, in fact, I would say that the majority of people I know with a degree have a 2.1.  But for me, it's different.

I was meant to get one before, but it was taken away from me.  Being diagnosed with cancer and being so intolerant to my treatment meant that I couldn't carry on with my studies as my consultant had promised.  What a twat.  So I had to take a year out. 

Meeting with a very non sympathetic academic decider at Edinburgh alongside having a tutor who didn't get understand what it meant to carry on with my friends rather than do an extra year, meant that instead of bending the rules slightly to get me through with summer extensions,  I had to make the decision to leave with a General Degree which means, well nothing.  I didn't complete the degree fully and this is something Scottish Universities give out if you don't complete the final fourth year.

I call it my fake degree.

And today I have a real one.  Well I don't get the certificate until November, but it is done.

For those of you who read this and have done for a while will know how much of a struggle my final year was.  Hindered by side effects from my treatment trying to cope with the most insane work load. So low and miserable and depressed.  If I could have done I would have quit.  But.  Something kept me going.  Knowing that my degree wasn't just a subject but what I want to do with my life.  I have been saying for the last four years that I am training to become a Naturopath.  I am now one.

I am a Naturopath.

And I am so proud of me.

With love and hope,
XXX