Hi, my name is Jodie. I studied Animal Care for 3 years and then did a further 2 years in Wildlife Conservation. I then took a gap year doing Floristry Design. I was struggling with anxiety and my mental health was causing a lot of stress. I wanted to figure out my next steps and what direction I wanted to go in. I had some issues with my cancer treatment which made college a lot harder, I was not the same active kid who took part in sports. When I started college I realised I had a strong passion for wildlife, and now improving the environment.
The career route I chose was practical and did not let my balance issues as well as everything else get in the way. I am now currently trying to volunteer with Sydenham Hill, and The Croydon Volunteers, to help out and be in the outdoors more. I have now been accepted a placement! Despite having gone through cancer, I still had goals and dreams for when I could start getting my life back together. It took 6 years to reach my end goal from several complications due to treatment. I knew that I would not allow anything to get in the way, however life is unpredictable. My main reason for sharing my update on where I am today, is to show people that it is not easy but if you put the work in, you can achieve and help others too.
In July I went on the Teens Unite Activity Stay. Leading up to the stay I was anxious and really nervous, however after the first half hour I felt better. Each story was unique but we all had something in common which was cancer. Prior to the stay, I felt lost and isolated, as not many people understood me or my issues, but going to the stay allowed me to escape reality, feeling part of a great community. After the stay I felt more confident in myself and made amazing friendships.
Teens Unite have been a great support and I'm so happy that I signed up back in 2018 as I've met so many inspiring people, as well as a great team of staff and volunteers.
