If you just got your A Level results, listen to this, not Josie Cunningham
I’ve been working on a university clearing hotline all week, trying to help young people find a place at university if their A Level results let them down. I feel for these teenagers, as it’s challenging to stay positive and motivated when your hard work hasn’t paid off. As a firm believer in the power of education, I will always encourage people, especially young women, to stay in education and work toward a degree.
Infamous Josie Cunningham had other advice.
She tweeted: ‘Good luck to everyone getting your A Level results today. Girls, don’t worry if ur results are poor – you can always have a career getting your *** out or escorting. (Obviously if your over 18!) #Josie’sCareerAdvice’
I hardly think that woman should be giving career advice to anybody, but I have some serious issues with her results day statement.
It mocks the very real experience of those working in the sex and/or escort industry. There are continual reports of violence and rape toward female sex workers, and this is not to be joked about, or taken lightly. It is not an easy job, and certainly not the only option for young women. Teenagers are feeling discouraged and concerned; this is not the time to be making jokes. (Although, I must say, the response tweet that read: ‘To everyone collecting their results today, just remember it could be worse, you could be Josie Cunningham’ was pretty funny).
I don’t wish to belittle sex workers or those who choose not to pursue higher education, but as a firm believer in the power of education, I urge all women to embrace education.
Remember, women haven’t always had this opportunity, and so many still don’t. You are more than your grades, and you can be whoever and whatever you want to be.