A Story for Seven Decades: Alex Stock
To celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we asked our community to share their stories – the voyages, the memories, and the moments that stayed with them. This is one of them.
Alex Stock, aged 19 – first sailed in 2024
“From my perspective, Alex’s journey has been really tough at times, but I have seen him transform into a confident and capable young man, who contributes in a very positive way to society. He wouldn’t have achieved these things if he hadn’t gone on the voyages with TSYT. I will be forever grateful.”
– Katherine Stock, Alex’s mum
In His Own Words
I am autistic, which I now see as a gift, as it gives me a few advantages such as a unique perspective on the world, a fine memory for information and strong abilities to focus on small details, before processing the bigger picture. I spent most of my academic life in special schools where I felt free and safe to be myself, without fear of judgement.
However, as I became more self-aware, I became embarrassed by my autism. I began ‘masking’ as I did not want to be seen as different from my neurotypical peers, which is exhausting. I struggled with interpersonal skills like socialising and communicating, especially as I have a slight processing delay. This made me anxious in unfamiliar environments and social situations, which badly impacted my confidence and self-esteem. But with the help of my parents and my fantastic special school, I was gently exposed to a diverse range of social situations and an array of unfamiliar places.
After completing my GCSEs, I entered the mainstream world of Post 16 education. The transition was initially daunting; however, this was made easier as I followed my passion and chose to do the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity.
As part of my course in 2024, I did two weeks’ work experience with TSYT — from the start, I was made to feel very welcome and included. This gave me the confidence to embark on my first TSYT voyage. At this point I had never been away from home without my parents for more than two nights. Now I was joining a voyage with a group of strangers, sailing to unfamiliar places. I did feel very anxious and worried about being homesick, but I was determined not to miss this opportunity.
As soon as I stepped on board, I felt welcomed and was immediately put at ease. The voyage helped me build my confidence, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, teamwork, problem solving and independence. As for the homesickness, I was kept too busy and engaged to think about it.
I have since taken a six-night Empowerment Voyage, where I gained my RYA Competent Crew Certificate, and an eleven-night voyage down to the Bay of Biscay.
On each trip I learn something more about myself, and I always feel a sense of elation and pride in myself when I complete the voyages. I still get anxious about meeting new people, and I still sometimes lack confidence in myself. However, I have come to realise that many people feel this way, not just me — and it is important to try to push through it.
Update
Alex is studying a BSc in Outdoor and Adventure Education at Chichester University, and has just completed his first year, doing very well in his exams. He is now looking forward to his second year.
“Before I worked with the TSYT, university was not on my radar. I felt I would be overwhelmed, and I would not have the confidence to meet new people in an unfamiliar environment. However, now I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”
— Alex Stock
Alex has recently become a member of TSYT’s Youth Voice and is busy volunteering this summer at the Andrew Simpson Centre and Frensham Sailing Club.
