If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve just received your A-Level results, or you know someone who has, and congratulations are in order! Whether you’ve got into the university you were hoping for, or whether right now, you’re reading this between going through clearing, there is a lot to congratulate you on.

You have made it through the strangest times to do your A-Levels and work out your next steps. Both of your years in Sixth Form or College have been disrupted, and today, whatever the outcome of your grades, you deserve to be celebrated. 

There are plenty of things that, much like every Fresher that has gone before you, you will take with you when you start university. Your grades, a packed car (full of things you probably don’t need) and words of wisdom from youth workers and parents. But your year group is unique. You will also bring with you things that are much more meaningful to who you are and who you will become over the next 3 years and beyond. 

Not sure what they are? Let me remind you. 

1. Resilience 

For most, resilience is crafted over years of challenging experiences. Many people only begin to show resilience later in life, but today, you start your adventure to university with all the highs and lows of the last 18 months behind you. You have experienced more of life at this point than perhaps you had imagined you would, and are stronger and more resilient than perhaps you might have been. 

2. Compassion 

You will have heard stories and opinions over the last 18 months that have required you to grow in compassion for those around you. You will have been challenged to see others’ perspectives, and to put others’ needs before your own. As challenging as this is at times, these experiences mould us to look more like Jesus, the most compassionate, caring and kind person there is. As you show compassion to others on campus, you show Jesus’ love for them. 

3. Faith 

Whether you have thrived in your faith or have questioned everything you believe, you begin the adventure of university knowing that Jesus is with you at each step. You are a part of a generation that questions the status quo and wants to know why - this is a good thing! As you step on campus, be confident in the hope you have in Jesus, continue to ask questions and be bold in your faith. You won’t be the only one wanting to know Jesus deeper. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. 

This results day, our prayer is that you know that whatever grades you receive, and whatever you pack as you head onto campus, that you take with you resilience, compassion, and faith. 

As you start this adventure, let us help you find home in a local church. Download the Student Linkup App to find churches near you and connect with Student Workers.