CHOOSING what you want to do and how best to go about it when you are a teenager is one of the most difficult and important decisions you will have to make in your lifetime. Thankfully, there is help and support in the form of Connexions.
Connexions advises and guides young people from the age of 13 to 19. From work to health, Connexions is there to help you make the right decisions.
I am a year nine pupil at St Mark's Catholic Secondary School, in Hounslow. In year nine, pupils have to choose their options for GCSE. For some, it is an unexpected wake up call, and will cause worry for many.
Nevertheless, within our school we have an inspiring Connexions advisor, whose role is to organise appointments for pupils in year nine and above, who need guidance to help them on their way to the career they really want.
All your interests and your current pastimes are taken into account as well as the things you are good at. Soon you gain a clear picture of what you want to do.
I had a good idea of what I want to take on as a career; I want to be a journalist. Despite this, I needed help with advice on what subjects would be best to take at GCSE. Connexions could not have been more helpful.
Seeing a helpful, smiling face can make all the difference.
Connexions is a fantastic service for all young people.
I would advise any young person who would like information and opportunities to pursue their ideal career to go and visit an advisor, either in their school or check on the local authority website for details on location and telephone number for their nearest Connexions office or call them in confidence. You will not be disappointed.
PETER RUTZLER
Year nine pupil St Mark's Catholic School
Hounslow
