Personal background & discovering Bridging the Future
Can you introduce yourself and share your educational journey before participating at the summer school? How did you learn about the Bridging the Future summer school and online mentoring programme?
I am from Turkey. I came to the UK in 2020 as a minor, and I had not completed high school, so I did not have a diploma. I immediately started looking for ways to continue my education, but there was no support for me, and I was neglected. I did not know what to do but I kept searching. A year later, I applied for the UPC Foundation Year at UCL, as well as the Bowman Scholarship. After passing two entrance tests, one English language assessment, and several interviews, I was awarded the scholarship and started my foundation year in 2021.
During the academic year, I struggled with maths and physics due to my prior gaps. My biggest supporter throughout the application process and the academic year, Raphaëla Armbruster, helped me find a mentor through Bridging the Future. My mentor, Fern, helped me a lot with my academic studies, and motivated me in every way. She is still supporting me as I am studying for my final UPC exams.
What motivated you to apply for the programme?
During the summer, I wanted to gain new skills and experience in science, to make good use of my time. Fern told me about the Summer School, and I thought that it was a good opportunity to take part in it. As an asylum seeker, it is very hard to take part in summer schools, as most of them are expensive. Also, as someone who attended other programmes for refugees, I can say that most of them did not challenge me in any way. But the summer school at UCL seemed more challenging and educational for me, and it was as I expected and very fun.
Summer school experience
What subjects or skills did you focus on during the summer school programme, and how do you feel your academic skills improved through attending?
Even though I thought my English was enough, I still learned new scientific terms, which improved my vocabulary. As I was preparing my academic poster on quantum computing, I took great care to paraphrase correctly and reference any sources I used, which are some of the most important skills a university student needs.
Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from the summer school?
My favourite part was the last project where we prepared academic posters of our chosen subject. As we were presenting them in the North Cloisters, many academics and students were interested and it was a good experience to explain a topic to an academic in that field, because I could also learn more from them. Another highlight for me was the competition we had to see which group could create the most efficient circuit using different fruits as batteries. It was very engaging and fun.
Online mentoring experience
Can you describe your experience with the weekly online mentoring sessions, and how did your mentor support you throughout the programme?
My mentor helped me prepare a revision calendar for my upcoming exams, which was one of the key components of my motivation as my exams were months away. We also had sessions where we just talked about life, how to study, how to manage work-life balance, which was very meaningful. Right now, as there is little time left until my exams, she is helping me stay on track and is preparing me extra tests and marking them to help me see my weakest parts.
Personal growth and development
How has the Bridging the Future programme impacted your personal growth and development, and what new skills or knowledge have you gained?
I gained more insight regarding university life, and how to manage studying in university as it is mostly dependent on independent studying. Also, as a student who plans to do a PhD in the future, learning about what goes on during a PhD, and how it works from my mentor was also useful for me.
How do you think the programme has influenced your future educational and career aspirations?
Learning about interdisciplinary subjects such as biophysics intrigued me to learn more about that field. I was already planning to study physics, but I was also interested in biology, and seeing different research going on made me think that I could go into research in those fields, where I may be more interested.
What advice would you give to other young people considering the Bridging the Future programme?
I would say that it is a very supportive programme, and there is so much to learn. Everyone is very supportive about everything, so you could ask about anything you are struggling with — there is always help.
