I left West Nottinghamshire College in 2017 having studied A Levels in Psychology, Sociology and English Literature. I left with a clear plan in mind - to complete an undergraduate degree in Sport Science and English Literature before attending Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to complete my Officer Training for the armed forces. However, life rarely goes how we envision it at age 17.
Whilst I thrived in my undergraduate degree and maintained a high level of fitness in preparation for officer training then there was one particular physical test with the Army that presented a barrier to my well laid plans. Having failed this test by only minutes the first time I began to envision continued failure.
My obsession with imagined failure then became a psychological barrier to physical success, and with my self-esteem and self-belief at rock bottom it was time to pursue another path. Having used Yoga for maintaining strength and flexibility, it now held a greater prominence in my schedule and as my flexibility and skill increased - so did my confidence.
Following completion of my bachelor’s degree I completed my Yoga teaching qualification and under my name, Topaz Yoga, I have been self-employed teaching both private and group classes since qualifying.
With the realisation of my passion for Yoga, for teaching, and for English Literature (as reflected in my academic studies) then I am now completing a Masters in English Literature with a view to teaching or lecturing the subject alongside my Yoga teaching. I am currently waiting to hear back on my PhD application but have been offered two teaching posts as a fall back.
I am continuing to look to develop my Yoga and more recently have acquired skills in teaching aerial Yoga, with plans to complete qualifications for more specialist areas like post-natal yoga. Whilst not the path I envisioned four years ago, I am content, I am proud, and most importantly - my journey is far from over. You can still thrive and be successful even if you have to adapt your plans.