“Sorry…”: What Students Apologise For and Why It Matters
“Sorry.” It’s one word I hear surprisingly often in my counselling office. Not for anything serious. Just small things that students say almost automatically. “Sorry, my grades dipped a little this term.” “Sorry, I don’t have as many activities as others.” “Sorry, I’m still not sure what I want to study.” “Sorry, my essay topic might sound very simple.” “Sorry, I’m a bit confused about everything.” Sometimes it comes with a quick laugh. Sometimes it’s said very quietly, almost as if they’re preparing themselves to be judged. But I always notice it. Because somewhere along the way, many young people begin to feel that by the time they walk into a counsellor’s office, they are supposed to have everything figured out. A clear direction. A strong profile. A well-polished story about who they are and where they are going. And if they don’t, they apologise. But this stage of life was never meant to be that tidy. You are supposed to change your mind. You are supposed to explore things t...
