How Education Changed My Life (Part 1)

It all began in Primary School, that’s when things started going downhill. The few friends I had began to vanish into thin air, right in front of my eyes and I didn’t know what to do. What had I done wrong? I remember chucking chairs at the teacher and running away from school. Maybe that could explain it? I got picked on by the other boys in my class. Maybe because I didn’t like football and most of my “friends” were girls. Maybe they were jealous, or maybe there was another perfectly good reason as to why I became a victim to such torment.

One time when I was leaving school, a gang surrounded me and I panicked.I didn’t know whether to try and run or shout for help, or just stand there. One punch and I fell to the ground in pain. They started kicking me in the stomach and my Gran arrived at the school to see where I was as I hadn’t returned home. It wasn’t long before she was joining me on the ground after trying to stop the fight. Minutes past, which felt like hours; my nose pouring of blood, my stomach battered and bruised, just like my Gran. We struggled to our feet and managed to make our way over to the school reception to speak to thehead mistress, only to hear her say; “Sorry to hear that! However, it’s after school hours and out-with my control so unfortunately I cannot do anything! I suggest you both go home and contact the police!” After a long struggle home, I was in a daze and unaware of what had just happened. I didn’t know what to do. I was expelled from school due to my “inappropriate” behaviour and I had to transfer to another school.

I remember hearing the words “Welcome to Dalry” from my new head teacher on my first day. I moved here at the beginning of Primary 5 and had a bumpy start but things got better. The new school had a lot of time for me and they didn’t tolerate bullying in the slightest. They made sure I had the correct support in place for when I felt low due too my past experiences. They managed to help me control my behaviour and by my last day, I didn’t want to leave. I had found somewhere that I was accepted for being “different” and I was happy here.

Things changed thereafter. I started high school and I thought I would come out as a “gay man” which didn’t go down too well with my peers, especially the boys. Inside I felt like shit and remember skipping classes and running away from school. But I wasn’t running away from everything, more like running back home. During P.E. at school, I felt discriminated against not just by my peers, but also the teachers. The boys kept saying stuff like “We don’t want queers in OUR changing room.” and “That gayboy might try sucking our cocks or trying to bum us!” This resulted in me being made to use the disabled changing room and even at that, no one wanted me in their group for activities, so most of the time I just sat at the side and observed. I began feeling suicidal from this point and one day I just had enough. I went up the stairs and climbed over the balcony ready to jump. It didn’t help that everyone was encouraging me to do it while standing with their phones out recording it. I was dragged over the balcony by a teacher and locked in a room until an ambulance came. I got an automatic suspension from school and referred to see a psychiatrist.

Weeks and weeks passed until I managed to get into another school, thanks to David McLetchie (MSP). I had a close bond with several folk in the new school even though there was folk tormenting me on a daily basis. One day however, I got “happy slapped” at the bus stop and nothing was done about this until a witness came forward as I was told I was fantasising and making up stories. I was also accused of apparently “raping” a first year which turned out to be a false accusation made against me. Things got worse and worse so I packed up my bag and walked. I never returned to that school again.

I moved school again and was told this was my last chance to do it right. I became involved in the school pantomime and dance show and thanks to the staff at this school, I managed to get some qualifications before moving onto more challenging things in life. I have graduated from a Prince’s Trust programme, achieved more qualifications through Access to Industry and now I have finished an Adult Returners Course at college and have progressed on to study Health and Social Care.

I worked hard and overcame obstacles to get to where I am today and I am proud of who I am. I can now achieve what I’ve wanted in life… Acceptance! Education had a big impact on my life but not always for the right reasons. I suppose that if all those negative things hadn’t of happened at school, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today. I came out the other end fighting. Life isn’t perfect and sometimes, things may start on the wrong path but soon divert to help you have a much smoother journey. I learnt the hard way but I wouldn’t have done anything different.