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?
Before I joined the summer school, I wasn’t into science. I always felt like science is the hardest subject and did not feel like I was capable of this subject in school, because I struggled so much to focus on science specifically. Then my social worker found out about the summer school, and she convinced me to join and have the experience. Then I told her that I want to try it and see if I can see a change.
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?
In this summer school course, we did biology, physics, chemistry, and English. Our science course was focused on coursework rather than writing. I found this helpful because it showed me the fun side of science. To be honest, after this summer course, I found myself enjoying science and getting better grades.
Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from the summer school?
My memorable experience from summer school was my presentation on the last day about colour blindness, before our certificates were given. This presentation was successful because I got a prize for my hard work. This seems unbelievable, but that presentation I did was the first time in my life standing in front of people explaining a topic I had never heard of before. This experience built my confidence.
Online mentoring experience
Can you describe your experience with the weekly online mentoring sessions, and how did your mentor support you throughout the programme?
Online tutoring was helpful and helped me to improve my grades in science. My mentor supported and helped me with science revision, my college application and even my college interview — what questions might come and how I should answer them. With this help, I got a chance to get an offer for my college application. We also managed to do flashcards the day before my mock exam.
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?
From the Bridging the Future programme, I developed the confidence to speak and to give a presentation. Furthermore, it helped me to improve my English and to have more knowledge about science, such as how to find DNA in fruits, how lasers work and so on.
How do you think the programme has influenced your future educational and career aspirations?
This programme influenced me to think about science in my future career, and showed me how science can be easy to learn.
What advice would you give to other young people considering the Bridging the Future programme?
I recommend this programme for any student who has an interest in science — and for those who don’t. Because when I joined this programme, I had no interest in science, but now everything has changed and all I want in the future is to do science. My advice for you is “there is nothing to lose”, so join and experience what I experienced. One day you will thank me — who knows?
