Having a Chronic illness for 9 years and half has certainty had a baring on my studies and grades. At age 12 in S1 of High School Peebles High School I contracted a virus, only three months into the first school year. The doctors tested for Glandular Fever which I thought I had for a month got over that and then I got another virus on top that called some long name with an Onotonological disease I think? Then after that found out from blood tests at NHS which I went frequently too and concluded it was Chronic Fatigue as there was no other evidence of any other disease and at that point there was no test for the illness. Barely any adults or adolescents knew of The word 'Chronic Fatigue' Or M.E which most people joked about thinking I was saying ME! haha. It was like being in 'Macbeth' and unable to say the word, I got accused of skivving alot and making the illness up as it wasn't known about at all. Doctors seemed clueless and had to research the illness to even known what is was. It was an invisable illness, although how it could be called invisable I am yet to understand my face would suddenly pale and I would go from red cheeked to white like a ghost or worse grey. And I was so tired sometimes that I was almost fall asleep in class or my eyes would roll about and get stuck, which was odd for other people to witness. I would get dizziness going to the school bus and wobble inturnably aka inside. Headaches would appear from nowhere and last the whole day. I lost confidence in my studying ability. Couldn't concentrate and my spelling would seem like I was a forgien student and take me a long time to understand academic grades. My head would be pounding and dizzy feeling while trying to listen take it in then write in a higher Biology class which I was perfectly capable of doing and understanding and it was suppose to be fast because it was higher and you had to read 30 pages in half an hour and answer 8 questions in 15 minutes. I have a huge blockage about my ability to study and understand now even although I keep going I am at Queen Margaret University and I got 62% in my best essay. A's and B's. I had to sit an art exam for 2 and half hours had a headache the whole time. I managed and got an ok grade. Had an art essay to do in class for standard grade had to help me as I couldnt think. I forgot how to do a biology practical exam. I had two tutors at this time which I am greatful for French, english and Biology. I still love English and French. I went to Sighthill college studied Psychology, French and English. Had to drop out near exam time as still ill. But learnt alot. Then I did a Biology nightclass for a year studied everything but couldn't manage the exam cause I was so anxious I couldn't remember things cause when I was ill it hurt to even think. Then I went to Newbattle College and did my Nat5 year equielant of Higher I think and then HNC which is advanced Higher or first year of Uni. It was an Accoicate degree of Social science. I did 10 subjects in the first year and 5 in the second year got two B's and a C overall so proud!! Now I am at Queen Margaret University went straight into second year and spent the first year in halls at Queen Margaret. Now studying Sociology and Psychology degree in third year doing well.