Come September
Kitty Vaughan starts to tell her story about dealing with a parent with mental illness, but looks forward to a bright New Year
It’s a New Year and I’m sure you’ve all got resolutions to put into practice (unless of course you’ve already broken them!)
Verbal abuse was a daily event and at times there was fear of it turning physical
Nonetheless a resolution is merely a decision to do something for the future but the New Year isn’t just a time to make promises, it can also be a time of reflection. 2008 for me was a challenge to say the least. I spent the best part of it juggling between studying and caring for my mum. She was in and out of hospital with a severe mental illness. Not only was it difficult for her it caused distress for the whole family, but especially me. I had to care for mum alone while dad worked away. Verbal abuse was a daily event and at times there was fear of it turning physical.
In the midst of all this there was immense pressure for me to do well at college and get the A-levels I needed for a top Law degree course. Due to all the pressure I no doubt walked around with a dark cloud above my head which might explain why I had few friends. My GCSE’s had been a nightmare and my grades suffered from the level of care I was having to provide for my mum but it was my determination to succeed and focus to get into uni that kept me going.
I never gave up on my ambitions and I was always realistic about what I could achieve
No matter how unfortunate your situation becomes it’s success that matters. I never gave up on my ambitions and I was always realistic about what I could achieve. When you put your mind to it you will achieve all you wish for. This September, despite caring for my mum, I secured a place at Cardiff University and I wish all the rest of you the best of luck for 2009!
Kitty Vaughan, 18 If this story had meaning for you look out for Kitty’s digital story which will be on Insite soon
