A New Chapter

Hello everyone,

First of all, a massive apology for the radio silence since December. I’ve been thinking about this space, about writing here, but life has kind of got in the way (as it does). There’s a good reason though, and I wanted to share it with you all. I’m now in the final stretch of my social work degree – 12 weeks to be exact. I’m deep in my last placement, learning new things every single day, and of course, there are assignments, exams, and a research dissertation to wrap up. So, Substack has been a bit neglected, but I’ve been popping in with some short notes when I can.

As a very significant chapter of my life draws to a close and before I step foot into the next stage of my social work journey it has made me reflect on how much I’ve grown and changed throughout the last three years.

Here’s a snapshot of what these three years have looked like for me:

The Hard Parts:

• I had a mental breakdown

• Started taking citalopram (I’m still on them, highest dose)

• Lost my mum

• Cut ties with old friends who no longer fit into my life

• Let go of someone who had a toxic impact on my mental health and sense of self

But alongside that, there’s also been so much growth, strength, and beauty:

The Good Parts:

• I made lifelong friends

• I got the highest overall grades in my cohort

• I found my sense of self, after years of searching and seeking external validation

It’s been quite the ride, to say the least. And as the finish line of this degree looms closer, one thing that stands out for me is just how much my voice has grown.

I’ve always been someone who felt underestimated, whose voice was never really heard – or if it was, it wasn’t taken seriously. But now, in my professional role, my voice matters. My opinion carries weight. It impacts decisions that affect people’s lives, and at first, that terrified me. I wasn’t used to being asked for my thoughts or expertise, and suddenly, it felt like everything I said counted. And it does.

But here’s the thing: I don’t take this lightly. I’ve spent years feeling invisible, like my voice didn’t have value. And now, I’m working with people whose voices aren’t often heard, and that’s something I can resonate with deeply. I know what it feels like to want someone in your corner, rooting for you, believing in you. I went into this role because I want to be the person I needed when I was struggling.

If I could go back and speak to the woman I was four years ago, I’d tell her:

The person you needed is right here. YOU are that person now. Even if your voice shakes, you matter. Your voice matters.

So, I’m here – a few weeks away from completing this chapter – and I just want to thank you all for following along with me.

Kathryn

P.S. Here are some pics from life the past few months.