Hi, My Name is JD_INCINERATOR

JD_INCINERATOR

I'm new to Scope and I'd love to acclimate well to this forum. I've a condition called Hydrocephalus, which classically means "water on the brain," and requires a shunt valve to control the cerebrospinal fluid, which would otherwise expand my head uncontrollably and would be fatal. I developed Hydrocephalus when I was three months old, as well as a hole in my heart and multiple seizures in the incubator. I had learning difficulties in school, was held back in Year R, and struggled to make new friendships.

I was also worried and anxious about starting at a new school. In juniors my mum walked me into the playground and handed me off to my Year 3 teacher, as I was too distraught to walk in by myself. On my first day of secondary, I was very timid because of the new environment, and I felt a stricter vibe. I was upset once I was appointed my Year 7 tutor because I had no guidance and easing into secondary school life, and I wanted to be with my parents where I was safe and secure.

Thankfully, I rose up, I got the grades I needed to go to college, then attained the UCAS points to enter university. I initially studied Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing, but it wasn't for me and I dropped out for a year. When I returned, I changed courses to Film and English, and even though I almost quit the day before my dissertation was due, I rallied hard to finish it, and I ended up with a first-class degree.

I've been struggling since I left university because I have no guidance or structure, and it's really difficult to make proper progress without these things. I do attend Andy Man's Club, which has been sensational mental health support for me, and I recommend it to any man who is going through mental health challenges, but I am still struggling to find what I need to move forward properly.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @JD_INCINERATOR, welcome to the community, great to have you with us 😊

Brilliant that you were able to get a first class degree, that's a real achievement. I can understand what you mean about lacking structure after leaving university, that can be tough.

Do you have any hobbies or interests to dive into while you work out what your next steps are?

We've got lots of friendly members so I'm sure you'll find some connections here. If you have any questions about anything, please do ask away!

JD_INCINERATOR

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/909607#Comment_909607

Thank you so much for your welcome! I'm glad to be part of this community, seems like it cultivates a lovely online environment for people with disabilities 🙂

Albus_Scope

I thought I'd just pop in and give a warm welcome too @JD_INCINERATOR 😊

I've heard some great things about my local Andys Man Club, they seem to be really supportive.