Didn't get the A level grades you were expecting? Go on a gap year.

I'll never forget it Summer '05 waiting for the mail. I knew I had passed I had put so much work in I must have done. A level results were in, I had a provisional place in the bag, all I needed was the bit of paper telling them I had passed and had the ability and knowledge to go on to do my degree and I'd be set.

My Mum came in with the envelope beaming as she passed it to me. I ripped it open and in one second my whole future crumbled in front of my eyes - I had not achieved the grades I needed for Uni - now what? I hadn't planned for this - failing hadn't been an option I had considered.

Clearing seemed to be the answer on every ones lips - but what if university wasn't for me after all and even if it was I wasn't sure if I could handle the rejection again.

After a lot of tears and coping with what felt like everyone's disappointment in me I decided to do something positive with the situation I had found myself in. I had heard my sister talking to friends of hers who had just got back from a volunteer expedition in Africa - it sounded so rewarding. They had lived in an African village working with the local people to build and restore their community, playing games with the school children and even teaching some basic lessons. They also got the opportunity to go on a Wildlife Safari and even help out on primate and elephant conservation projects it sounded fantastic.

I went online and contacted Camps International and booked a trip straight away. I didn't have all of the money available immediately but Camps International helped me with fundraising ideas and the team were there to support me while I raised the cash.

I went to Kenya in Summer '06 and had the most awesome time I met loads of people and really learnt a lot about different cultures and how we aren't always as grateful for our surroundings as maybe we should be.

I had deferred Uni for a year and when I got back I felt much more equipped for Uni with the knowledge I had gained from my travels - I grew up a lot in my time away. I managed to get an interview in a Uni that I liked and won my place - funny thing was the majority of my interview was spent talking about my trip they seemed to like that I had spent my time wisely and not given up when confronted with disappointing exam results.

I start Uni in a few weeks and I cant wait, everyone is so proud of me and of what I have achieved least of all me!!!

Find out more about taking a gap year with Camps International