Setbacks

A ‘sponsored ad’ appeared on my Facebook newsfeed from the Observer, with an interview with nobel prize winning geneticist Sir Paul Nurse. It was an interesting interview, but what jumped out at me was that he failed his language GCSE SIX times! 

It got me thinking of other similar anomalies. A fellow student on my MMus course many years back who went on to do a PhD, had failed his grade 3 guitar exam. He was/is one of the best classical guitarists I have known.

Me and Suzie’s late friend; Dr Dave Weekes, was an academic and archaeologist. Despite his very powerful intellect; his spelling and general grammar were appalling. (And let’s not forget his driving - the words “I am alive” with great relief used to rush through my being when I survived a lift.)

Then there are my musical heroes; the brilliant William Walton, a pioneer of British 20th century music. Walton famously failed the second half of his BMus THREE times. Brian Wilson; master of melody and harmony and author of some of the greatest pop music, got a grade D for music in high school.

At this time of GCSE and A Levels being in the media spotlight I think the culture of ‘airbrushing’ not only photos on social media, but also life; a very worrying and unrealistic way of navigating existence. This ideas that there is only the potential for success, if things are perfect and blemish free..

I have had failures and disappointments too, they have ALWAYS lead on to something that has introduced me to people, places and opportunities that I truly believe never would have come along, if things had gone according to plan. 

Disappointing GCSE or A Level marks are set backs and detours not life being “ruined”.