Life is full of challenges and obstacles that can sometimes make you feel like giving up on your dreams.
Albyn School pupil Hope Jappy has had to overcome unimaginable hardship the last few years after losing a parent and being diagnosed with autism, however has never lost sight of the end goal of pursuing a career in nursing.
On Tuesday, August 6, Hope received her Higher exam results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and was delighted to achieve an A in Higher Geography, three B’s in Higher Human Biology, Sociology and Photography respectively, and a B in National 5 Maths.
After experiencing nursing care first hand she was inspired to pursue a career in nursing and has achieved the grades to accept a place at Robert Gordon University this September, studying a dual degree in Children and Young People and Mental Health Nursing. Reflecting on why she chose the nursing profession: “My mum had cancer, I looked after her up until she died and I was inspired by how much the nurses helped her and so ever since then I’ve wanted to be a nurse,” she bravely shared.
“I’ve been accepted into Robert Gordon University and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hope Jappy
In advance of getting her results Hope preferred to keep her expectations low: “I was excited to get my results. I wasn’t sure how I would do, I tend to keep my expectations really low so then it’s better when I open them and find out.”
Alongside managing grief, Hope has also endured mental health issues and autism which impacted her day-to-day life and way of learning. Receiving the full support of staff at Albyn and adapting learning methods to suit Hope, it enabled her to thrive at Albyn, achieve her Higher grades and overcome the odds.
Reflecting on more positive memories, after joining Albyn in S1 she fondly remembered one of her highlights of her time at school: “One of my highlights is definitely the Geography trip we went on earlier this year. We went to the Lake District and carried out land use surveys and river studies which was really interesting.”
Aside from her academic studies, Hope is also a keen climber after taking part in the sport in S5.
“I’m part of the climbing club at Albyn and hope to continue it at university as well. I enjoy the challenges it presents.”
Whilst enduring a difficult few years, Hope continued to believe in herself and was always determined to pursue her dreams:
“If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be to keep being myself throughout and stay true to myself. And continue to work hard.”