food at GCSE – that was unfair. But let me let you in on a little secret… One day, you’re going to be the head chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant! And they’ll be asking you back to talk to the students about your success! Give a smug smile to that teacher (who’s still there fourteen years later, by the way). It’s a great story actually, you’ll fall in love with the restaurant trade and you’ll make your family really proud. Oh, and you’ll be working long hours – evenings and weekends – but you wouldn’t change it for the world.
Don’t worry about some of the tougher times you’ll go through – they’ll help to mould you into the person you are today. You won’t always be the centre of attention (only-child syndrome) but that’s okay. Keep that confidence thought - what some might think of as arrogance is a self-belief that will propel you to your own success. First and foremost, believe in yourself and your ability to make it.
Keep going mate – stick to your guns. Embrace the moment and make it the best that you possibly can.
Nathan Eades, aged 30
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