Egyptian-born Bahga El-Sayed Katamesh, 14, is preparing to become a paediatrician. A year ago she had no clue how to do that. But by attending several IntoUniversity programmes, including its Academic Support sessions, FOCUS week, and having a mentor, she has developed confidence that she previously lacked, and acquired knowledge in how to achieve her dream.
What do you think is the best thing about
IntoUniversity?
The best think is that they help me think about my future. They are
really, really helpful and also really, really friendly, which is
why I come here every single day. Now I am looking for a good start
in life. Before, I wouldn't have had the patience to come every
day. But now it just pulls me, I can't stop coming.
How did you hear about IntoUniversity?
I heard from my school. They came in and told us what it is about
and also I have friends who knew and explained it to me. If I stay
at home I feel like I'm just wasting my time and if I come here, it
pushes me forward. It is fun as well and it will help me with my CV
to enter the area that I want to study and work.
Presumably all these courses have changed you in some way.
How have you changed?
For one thing, they help me organise my time. I really feel like
time is very precious. Also they make me realise that school is not
enough. Now I don't think that only with school I will get into
university. I know that I need extracurricular activities, to
participate in many clubs to add up on my CV.
For as long as I can remember, I always knew that I wanted to be a
doctor, but I didn't know which degree I would need to have, what
grades I have to have in GCSEs, when I have to take A-levels, etc.
Now it is so clear, and I have new ideas popping up all the time. I
know that there's not just one path you have to take, there are
many options to get into medicine. Also they've given me some good
information about how the education system works. Now I am planning
to take a gap year before university to do some duty courses or
work.
Before I used to stay at home and watch TV - it was such a waste of
time. Now I know how much stuff I am missing out on if I do
that.
Were you always so confident?
No. I used to be really shy, I didn't know how to communicate with
people, but now I am totally the opposite, I can talk to anyone. I
used to hate drama and public speaking, but then when I came here,
they gave me more opportunities to do both, more and more! You get
involved with people that you don't know, which makes you feel
really confident. It becomes normal to be confident.
What is the secret of IntoUniversity? Why can they achieve
things that school can't?
I think it is because they are really friendly. In school when you
talk to your teacher you have to use Sir, Madam, and here you can
be yourself. And also you don't feel under pressure or
anything. It's just about figuring out what you want, and they will
help you get it.
Do you think you would achieve your dream without the help
of IntoUniversity?
No, probably not. I would still be too shy. If I go for an
interview at a college or university, the main thing is to be
confident. I've learned to trust myself now.
I think I needed this
confidence and the ability to communicate with people to make what
I want come true.
Bahga recently represented IntoUniversity
at a Student Leadership Conference at Wellington College, and spoke
to several hundred adults at the IntoUniversity annual
meeting.
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Craig Dearden-Phillips MBE
Chairman, Speaking Up (now called VoiceAbility)