The programme really helped me to reflect on my emotions instead of suppressing them, and I started to feel more like myself.
“When I joined Teens and Toddlers, I was being bullied a lot. Other students would find the things I did strange, so they made fun of me. They would deliberately say things to make me upset because they knew they would get a reaction out of me. It was difficult and I felt like I didn’t fit in.
My school experience made me retreat into my shell. It made me shy, and I didn’t express myself or talk to people.
On Teens and Toddlers, I was paired with a toddler mentee who was also shy and struggling to communicate. As we grew closer, she became more outspoken and social which empowered me to become more confident too.
The programme also really helped me to reflect on my emotions instead of suppressing them, and I started to feel more like myself. I became more expressive and talkative – I can talk for days now!
Teens and Toddlers showed me that there are so many opportunities you can go after in the world. I started to try new things, meet new people and branch out in ways I hadn’t before.
In Year 9, I became a prefect, guiding younger students who were struggling, just like I once was.
In sixth form, I completed the Duke of Edinburgh award, and I was also given the ‘Most Outgoing Student’ award by my teacher. And I delivered my sixth form leavers’ speech.
At university, I became Social Media Officer for the African and Caribbean Society.
After Teens and Toddlers, Power2 also gave me opportunities to explore my future. I developed networking, teamwork and conflict resolution skills. I visited law firms, banks and the Houses of Parliament. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue politics as a career.”
My experience with Power2 gave me fundamental skills that continue to help me in everyday life. I now have the confidence to go out and achieve the things I want.
