Inspiration Takes Flight at GCSE Boost 2025
By Ellise Hollie-Hayward, Disabilities Correspondent
I was very privileged to be a guest speaker at the GCSE Boost event 2025, which was hosted at the Areo Space in Bristol.
I never thought that I would speak under a plane during my motivational speaking career.
It really was one of the most surreal speaking gigs I had the honour of presenting at.
The GCSE Boost hosted up to 4000 year 11 students coming up to their GCSE exam season.
The event focused on well being, mental health, diet and nutrition, motivation and aspirations and GCSE exam techniques.
I was the speaker for motivation and aspirations so I had the pleasure to speak about the challenges I had to face with cerebral palsy as well as speaking about my GCSE exams.
What made it more special was that one of the security guards was so touched by my speech, they bought me a scarf from the shop to say thank you for inspiring him.
Kindness is free!
One of my massive achievements was to sit my GCSEs in secondary school. I was very lucky to have attended an amazing secondary school, I was supported, included and listened as a person. I sat my GCSEs in year 11 just like any other student.
I had my own room with my support and an invigilator. I used my eyegaze to write and complete my exam paper, it took time and effort but I knew that I could do it.
Despite the challenges, I managed to complete my GCSEs and as the organiser of the event said to these students, I may not be verbal or able to use my hands just like them, but I did it with a positive can do attitude.
Anything is possible when you have a positive attitude and supportive people.
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