The "one" day of Christmas
Updated: Jan 18
It’s currently 2 am as I'm writing this…
So a recent announcement has meant that Christmas this year is canceled. Well… not literally. The 25th of December still exists of course but we are unable to travel to see friends and family on any day other than Christmas Day. Being a care leaver has meant that I usually have very few options when it comes to finding somewhere to stay regardless of whether COVID-19 lingered around or not. Over the last few months, I have been really struggling with my mental health, towards the end of this year.
At the start of the pandemic, I had been speaking live on the BBC raising awareness about the challenges COVID-19 has brought about for young people that have left the care system and have no place to call home. In my case, my “home” is ultimately university halls accommodation. Just to be clear, a "care leaver" is a young person who has previously been "looked after" by the government. For example in a foster home.
As I sit here in a home, invited by a lovely family as a break away from being “stuck” isolated in halls before Christmas - not ideal, it has given me time to think about all the support I have received over the pandemic period. I have been counting my blessings. Also, it has reminded me of how far I have come, as a care leaver with such a difficult past. This pandemic has given me a chance to strengthen the bond that I have with my friends, as well as make new friends along the way.
"This Christmas will be a tough one for plenty of people, especially with the lockdown going on for so long, but it is what it is, so we have to make do with what we have, and who we have."
Alongside my medical studies, I would really like to go further with my advocacy for young people from disadvantaged circumstances to young people that struggle with their mental health. These are two causes that I can relate to on a personal level. I would even be down for going into some sort of social care or health politics, to get more involved in policy-making.
It has been a rather unusual couple of months, and it will definitely take a while before things go back to normal. I am looking forward to travelling abroad again, exploring different countries and cultures, meeting new like-minded people. I’m also taking up a role as COVID-19 vaccinator, alongside my job as a private tutor in English, science and maths.
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