I had a pretty shit time at school and had shoddy grades after missing nearly two years (Year 10 + 11) with a complicated case of Kawasaki Disease. I had recovered in May when GCSEs were taking place. I managed to get 3 C's in the core subjects (Maths, English and Science) after my parents got me a home tutor.
I went in for the last few days and was invited to the end of year party. I met my first girlfriend there who was also in a bad place at the time. Turns out, we were really good for each other. I managed to turn my education around in College and finished with 3 decent enough A-Levels in my chosen subjects. The relationship lasted for three years and I was a changed man by the end of it.
I look back and think so much could be different if I hadn't met her. The way the stars lined up...it was almost like it was fate.