Embracing Every Pathway with #NoWrongPath

As the results season looms over, it’s natural for many young people to feel a wave of anxiety and uncertainty. But we’re here to tell you that exam results are just one chapter in your story, not the entire book. This sentiment is powerfully echoed in the #NoWrongPath social media movement initiated by Developing the Young Workforce under Skills Development Scotland. This movement aims to inspire and reassure young people that there are countless pathways to success, and not receiving the results you hoped for does not dictate your future.

The essence of #NoWrongPath is beautifully captured in the story of one of our own team members, a drug discovery expert. Their journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the boundless opportunities that lie beyond the horizon of school exam results. Here is their story:

After not receiving the results I expected in my Highers at school, I did not apply to university. I worked Saturdays as a cashier at TSB Bank and, upon completion of my 6th year, I went full-time in that job with very few opportunities for progression. I had always enjoyed maths, and during the year after school, working in the bank, I decided to apply to study accountancy at university. I was accepted into Glasgow Caledonian University to study BA Accountancy.

At this point, with most of my friends having already completed their first years, I felt so far behind them, which played on my mind a lot at the time. After completing my first year of accountancy, I knew it wasn’t for me. I considered continuing the course just to keep up with my friends but after a lot of consideration, I decided to swap courses. Unfortunately, I was too late to apply for other courses in the coming academic year, so I had to wait another year.

In this year, I completed my second year of accountancy, and at the end, made the decision to commit to BSc Biomedical Science at GCU, much to the dismay of my parents, as biology was the other subject I enjoyed at school. At this point, I was, in my head, three years behind where my friends from school were, which made the decision all the more daunting.

Now, I’m glad I made the switch. I loved my course at university and even went on to study and obtain a master’s degree in Cancer Therapies at The University of Strathclyde, genuinely something I never would have envisioned for myself after leaving school disappointed in my exam results. It’s been a long journey to get to where I am now, but I’m glad I made the decisions I did. It’s led me to work for a company that is at the cutting edge of science and helping the process of drug discovery to better people’s lives.

Our colleague's story is just one of many that highlight the importance of perseverance and keeping an open mind about your future. The #NoWrongPath movement encourages young people to understand that detours and alternative routes can lead to fulfilling and successful careers.

We believe that by sharing these stories, we can help ease the pressure on young individuals during this crucial time. It’s important to remember that there are many pathways to success and that results are not everything.

Join us in supporting #NoWrongPath and help spread the message that there is no single route to achieving your dreams. Whether through sharing your own story or encouraging someone who might be feeling disheartened, together we can make a positive impact.