From Shadows to Self-Expression

Some stories don’t need much polishing; they shine through raw honesty. That’s how it felt hearing from one of our young people, a Year 9 student whose very first poem has just been entered into a national contest.

She had never read poetry before. Never studied it. Didn’t even think she liked it. But when she sat down to write, the words came from somewhere deep – reflecting on identity, loneliness, and what it means to be seen.

Her poem, ‘Ever Since I Was Small’ is a powerful piece which speaks to the quiet ache of feeling invisible, and the hopeful whisper that connection is still possible. It’s the kind of creative work that can emerge in the right environment – in this case, an alternative education setting that offers real SEND support for teens in Bristol.

                    POEM

                    Ever Since I Was Small

                    Ever since I was small I knew
                    a shadow followed a quiet roof.
                    No laughter stayed, no hand held tight,
                    just empty halls and endless nights.

 

                    I watched the others as their worlds stayed bright
                    while mine felt dim, devoid of light.
                    They danced in circles I couldn’t see,
                    a silent voice said, not for me.

 

                    A stranger’s gaze, a fleeting smile,
                    would fade before it stayed a while.
                    And deep inside, a single stone:
                    I was always meant to be alone.

 

                    No place to fit, no space to fill,
                    a wandering soul, restless still.
                    I built my walls, made peace with the sky,
                    whispered my secrets to the stars up high.

 

                    But sometimes I wonder late at night
                    if I was wrong maybe I’ve lost sight.
                    If maybe the world had tried to show
                    that love can still reach those who don’t know.

 

                    Still the feeling lingers, etched like stone,
                    that I was always meant to be alone.

A silent voice said, not for me.
…
Maybe the world had tried to show
that love can still reach those who don’t know.

Her poem struck a chord with young people and adults alike. “It’s not about anxiety,” she says, “it’s about being human.”

She’s since written 11 more poems and is working on short stories too. She’s always been creative, using metaphors and vivid images to tell the truth as she sees it.

What’s more, her writing reveals her self-awareness:

“When I write, it’s just me. A lot of people wear different masks. But when I write, it’s probably the truest version of myself.”

Navigating friendships and figuring out who’s “real” is one of the biggest challenges she’s faced. There was a time she felt “like one piece of sugar on a table of soap” surrounded, but not fitting in.

But things are different now:

“I feel like I fit in here at Urban Pursuit and in other places too, like my youth club or the gym. As long as I’m with the right people.”

She’s clear about how much impact Urban Pursuit has had, not just academically, but emotionally. The change reflects what high-quality alternative provisions can offer to students with social and emotional needs.

“Without Urban Pursuit, I probably would’ve been kicked out of school. It’s helped me mature and actually be myself.”

She credits the staff for being honest, present, and supportive through hard times:

“ Jamal deserves a pay rise!”

Through mentoring, adventure-based learning, and a SEND-friendly learning environment, she’s found a sense of belonging – and found her voice.

If your school is looking for a different way to support students like the young person in this story, we’d love to explore how we can work together.

Want to see how we could fit alongside your school?

Check out OUR PROGRAMME or drop us a line to chat about how we can support your students: 👉 0117 239 0932 | office@urbanpursuit.co.uk