I am a seventeen year old female who lives in the borough of Lambeth. I currently study health and social care level three at a sixth form college and work at Elevating Success as a youth worker; and, have been doing so for a few years.
Before I had the opportunity to join Elevating Success, I had been volunteering with Metropolitan Thames Valley at annual fairs and Christmas grottoes. I also used to attend acting classes and singing lessons as I have a passion for performing arts.
I got involved with Elevating Success through their summer programme in 2017 as an attendee. This was the first year that there had been a summer programme for young people in Clapham Park. I also had the opportunity to attend the end of summer excursion to Thorpe park.
After attending two weeks of the summer programme, I asked to become a volunteer and I was welcomed with open arms. I continued volunteering at the summer programme in 2018; and, in 2019 I became a paid youth worker both at the summer programme and the newly introduced study hub.
There are many things I enjoy about being a part of Elevating Success; one being that it helps me get closer to my aspiration of becoming a paediatric neuropsychologist. I enjoy working with children and learning how to engage with young people, whilst ensuring that they are safe. I believe that being a part of Elevating Success means to be a contributor to the opportunities given to young people; empowering them with a voice and bridging the gap between two generations – both the elder and the young.
Elevating success has given me the opportunity get a first aid qualification and has been a major help in getting me youth work opportunities: especially in Lambeth programmes such as Unlock and Croydon Youth Arts Collective.
Elevating success has also taught me how to work in an environment with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. They have made me open minded to different career pathways and have taught me the importance of self-confidence; believing you are able to achieve, to accept guidance and give constructive criticism.