This week I attended a very special celebration, the graduation of my youngest son from the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.
Those of you who have been long time readers of my blog will know Jacob has not always had the easiest ride through his young life. He faces daily struggles with anxiety and depression as well as coping with type 1 diabetes. I have written about him before and you can read about his struggles here, here and here. But despite it all he has just graduated with a first class honours degree in Professional Sound Production... what better way to show those people who wanted to write off this young man when he was just eight years old, the ones who told me he would never access mainstream education. They were wrong... mainstream education with its one size fits all approach wasn't ready for this intellegent, talented, caring, funny, articulate young man and I couldn't be more proud of him.
You now need to go out there into the world Jacob and keep proving them wrong. Believe in yourself, believe in your talents and follow your dreams. It won't always be easy and you will no doubt stumble and fall along the way, it will be big and scary at times but you can do whatever you want.
You are amazing!
What an incredibly proud moment for you. Congratulations to Jacob!
ReplyDeleteI realised I have missed your last couple of posts. Your weekend away sounds huge fun!
Congratulations Jacob!
ReplyDeleteThat is such good news. The very best wishes for the future Jacob!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story - congratulations to Jacob! He can do whatever he wants now, amazing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news and I so agree that standard schooling does not fit many people. The system needs to change but alas that's not likely to happen any time soon. ( and I nearly got disciplined for saying that out loud at a Head Teachers' meeting) Catriona
ReplyDeleteFantastic news Jacob. No wonder your mum is so proud of you. B x
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jacob. A great achievement. No wonder you're proud of him Gina.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jacob. A great achievement. No wonder you're proud of him Gina.
ReplyDeleteI have just gone back and re read Jacob's story.What an amazing young man.You must be soooo proud of him.A wonderful story.Our daughter is a Type 1 diabetic and has been for 41 years so I am familiar with that part of his story.Sarah is 45 now,a Primary school teacher and Mummy to two gorgeous girls.We are so proud of her too.DId Jacob go to Hills Road?Our eldest granddaughter left there in the summer with 4 A levels.During her final year she had some mental health problems and the college were great.
ReplyDeleteWHere next for Jacob?
barbara
Well done Jacob!!! And well done to his mum who always had his back!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing young man, I am so pleased for you both that he has done so very well. It's a testament to you both. The world is his oyster now, I'm wishing him all the best for the future. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteYes! Congratulations (to both of you)
ReplyDeleteJacob is phenomenal! Here's to the future!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jacob AND Congratulations proud parents and brothers. Your story is inspirational. x
ReplyDeleteReading this gave me goose bumps! So good to hear about triumphs over unimaginative educators who label children and are thoughtlessly cruel.
ReplyDeleteWell done, one step at a time is all it takes plus lots of hard work & determination.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story - CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH JAKE AND YOU, you both deserve them.
ReplyDeleteI have two grandsons with Aspergers so I know something of the fight you would have had with the schools - they are no more co-operative here in Australia either. I hope Jacob goes on to have great success in his chosen field. Cheers
Congratulations, what an achievement.
ReplyDeleteYou must be bursting with pride for Jacob's wonderful achievement and I think you deserve congratulations too for helping him achieve it and believing in him when others had just about written him off. His story will give others the inspiration and determination to keep plugging away. Well done Jacob, and Mum.
ReplyDeleteCatriona and I must have lived parallel lives! I just wish all my grumbling about the system had had an effect - alas not. BUT - Jacob's wonderful success proves that within that struggling child was an amazing talent - well done to him and I hope he has an exciting future to look forward to. You must be so proud of him. x Jo
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both you and Jacob. Without your support it could have been a very different story. I'm sure the future won't be plain sailing for either of you but I hope you are now able to watch him grow into a confident and assured young man, knowing he has your support which is so important for those who do not find life easy (I speak from experience!)
ReplyDeleteWell done to both of you. I know how hard it is to stand behind a young man who has gone through the tough times but you know that at the end of the day they have to make it on their own and all you can do is cheer them on, if they'll let you. :D The cheerleading obviously paid off
ReplyDeleteWell done Jacob and well done you -what a special day for you both.
ReplyDeleteWhat an achievement, by Jacob and his champion! Isn't it strange that their triumphs are so much sweeter than our own.
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic-what an achievement!
ReplyDeleteGina this is amazing, I am so happy for Jacob and you. I feel inspired and hopeful for my son James' future after reading this post. Thank you. xx
ReplyDeleteWow! That's brilliant - you must both be so proud. I know some of the difficulties you've both had, which makes the result so impressive. Please pass on my big congratulations to Jacob. Gill x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son Gina! Life is hard sometimes -- and I think it's harder for our kids than it was for us. Great Job Jacob!
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