Reach for the Stars

Growing up we never really had a lot 
At the time we were happy, so it mattered not a jot 
Oblivious to the challenges that soon would lie in store 
If we wanted to give ourselves a chance of having a bit more 
 
In our formative years it never really stood out 
Surrounded by class peers, not realising we would need to shout 
Louder than we could possibly ever have imagined 
Just to get a fair crack of the whip, we simply hadn’t fathomed 
 
Although we always had books while at school 
We never had money to buy them as a general rule 
A lot of my time in my youth was spent in the library 
Learning new words, as I looked to find my way 
Words and language, always a passion of mine 
Though it would take many years before I got my chance to shine 
 
Owning our own house was something we never conceived 
Too far out of reach for us to have ever believed 
We were happy just to have a roof over our head 
Our parents sleeping in the living room on a sofa bed 
Sacrificing their privacy, and individual space 
Demonstrating altruism, dignity and never ending grace 
 
Our time together as a family was adversely impacted 
Working multiple jobs with shifts that were often protracted 
Just to make ends meet, not even for wealth 
Oblivious to the toll it was taking on their health 
 
We never considered the thought of going abroad on our holidays 
In fairness that was the case for our peers, at least for most 
We knew that they’d be limited, the general scope of opportunities 
We’d be thankful for a weeks jaunt down the beautiful Scottish coast 
 
We navigated our way through school, every one of us done well 
Our results outperformed expectations, even if we had to go through hell 
One of my enduring memories of my time when I was at school 
Was the doubtful, derisory comments, and blatant ridicule 
 
‘You’ll never amount to anything’ I was told at a very early age 
No matter how hard I worked, or the efforts I made to assuage 
To make my teachers believe I was capable of touching the stars 
Of pushing past the boundaries, and going so very far 
 
Rather than allow these hurtful words to stifle me 
I took on board the challenge, I’ll excel, just wait and see 
I rolled up my sleeves and worked as hard as I was able 
To move up the groups, up to the top table 
 
When the time finally arrived to move to the big school 
I went to one full of discipline, with many strict rules 
My parents sent me to a different institution from all of my friends 
To give me a better chance of succeeding by the time I reached the end 
 
Their decision turned out to be sagaciously wise 
Helping propel me towards an academic rise 
Though my passion for my studies meant I was ridiculed by my peers 
Cultural bias saw me treated like a fool, leaving me close to tears 
Attitudes around me, limiting and self-perpetuating 
Views that could almost be described as self-hating 
 
When I decided my ambition was to go to university 
People around me shot me down, seeing it as cause for hilarity 
This only made me more determined, my talent to showcase 
To prove them all wrong, and rightly secure my place 
 
When I started my course, I instantly felt exclusion 
It was palpable, and obvious, and left me under no illusion 
That some didn’t believe that I should be there 
As if I was an invader, an alien, an unwelcome imposter 
My accent was distinctive, quite clearly working class 
They made it very obvious that they found this to be crass 
 
I was made to feel like nothing, marginalised to the side 
I was determined to prove to the doubters I wasn’t just there for the ride 
The rolling eyes when they heard me speak, made it clear they didn’t rate 
I’d let my work do the talking, let them underestimate! 
 
At first it was a struggle, a lot of work to take on 
But I adapted and evolved, and became academically strong 
The highest mark in my class at the end of my first year 
When the lecturer announced the result, I let out a silent cheer 
 
Successfully navigated my degree, and got a decent mark 
Though I’d need to up the ante If I was going to embark 
On an honours year fraught with additional challenge 
I’d need to work doubly hard or end up on the fringe 
 
I poured my heart and soul into writing my dissertation 
When I saw the result, I was filled with jubilation 
I’d secured a result that was enough to gain entry 
To do a masters course, to fight another day 
 
At that point, my hopes were dashed, I hit a complication 
It stopped me in my tracks, and caused terrible frustration 
The offer letter came through and gave me false hope 
I couldn’t afford the fees, there simply wasn’t scope 
 
By then I had a house and bills to pay 
Had to take whatever job came my way 
I’d get to where I wanted to be, just had to show patience 
Hoped opportunities would come my way, not caring about the pretence 
Fortunately they did, my work ethic and innovation stood out 
Gave me just what I needed, collateral and clout 
Ended up working jobs I found challenging and fulfilling 
Fortunately for me they paid quite a few shillings 
 
If I was to give advice to my younger self 
I’d say don’t listen to the doubters no matter what your telt’ 
I’d say invest in yourself and believe in your dreams 
No matter how far out of reach at face value they seem 
Don’t limit the scope of what you think is possible 
You’re more than good enough to overcome any obstacles 
 
Don’t let your background hold you back, you’re a new generation 
I hope you’ve found this little rhyme provide some inspiration