Matthew’s story

Matthew was in his Foundation Year at the University of Aberystwyth when he took part in a Grit programme. Matthew is neurodivergent.

I can be very shy and I usually don’t say very much. I often don’t know what to say when I meet new people. So, at the start of the Grit workshop, when I was asked to stand up in front of the group and introduce myself, I was scared. I’m just not used to doing this sort of thing. But after I did it I felt proud. It made me feel confident. It got the workshop off to a great start.

I began to realise that I am much more capable than I thought I was. I can join in, say what’s on my mind. Before Grit, in seminars I’d always be the last one to speak, always wait for everyone else to ask questions. I was afraid I’d say the wrong thing, people would think I was stupid.  But after Grit I speak up much more in seminars. I’m confident. I’m less bothered about what other people think. I’m participating more, I’m contributing more. And so I’m doing better in my studies.

I’m more social than I thought I was. I’ve managed to meet new people, talk to new people. I’ve joined the kick boxing society. Before Grit I thought that no-one would be interested in me, but in the workshop realised that, no matter what subject we’re talking about, there will always be people who find you interesting.

I was stressed about the exams. I didn’t think I was going to do very well. I often repeat myself in essays and go off topic but Grit helped me to put these worries aside and focus on what I had to do - revising and getting the exams done. In the end I did really well. I felt brilliant. So now I carry that bit of Grit with me everywhere I go: I focus on what I can control, not what I can’t control. I’m able to focus on what I need to do to have a successful time at uni.

Now at uni I feel part of something, that I’m doing something important for me. It feels more worthwhile. I’m more motivated to study, to finish my degree and move on to the next stage of my life. I feel more at home at university. And I’m looking ahead with confidence and optimism to what comes next.