Meet Iqra Zamir from Chichester College Group
This month we’re speaking with Iqra Zamir, a Progression and Liaison Coach for the Chichester College Group. Iqra works across the Group’s original five campuses: Crawley College, Worthing College, Haywards Heath College, Chichester College and Brinsbury College, providing support to all students, with a particular focus on Uni Connect students.
How did you get into this role Iqra?
I’m actually new to the role and have only been in it for three months. I qualified as a primary teacher and spent a couple of years teaching but it was at a tough time – during the height of covid – and I was never sure it was quite the right fit.
I knew I wanted to stay in education because I’ve always wanted to have a positive impact on young people’s lives, but it had never been my plan to work with this age-group. I’m so glad I took the leap though, as I find it so rewarding and haven’t looked back!
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I love the breakthrough moments you get, when you’re working with a young person and can see them respond in a really positive way to a particular initiative. I was recently working with a student who was struggling with being in an academic environment. It just wasn’t gelling for him and that was impacting his confidence in every area of his life.
But through the Peer Mentoring Scheme we were able to find him a student to talk to who had had a similar experience but come out the other side. Just hearing that he wasn’t alone in his feelings and discovering practical strategies that had worked for someone else in his situation proved to be a real turning point. That for me is what the job is all about. It was amazing to hear that he was actually looking forward to coming into college after half term. Young people can be the most incredible support for each other.
What do you find most challenging about your role?
It’s a positive thing! The team I work with are all so passionate about the work we do, that it can be frustrating not being able to do everything. There are so many initiatives we’d love to put into action, but it’s a case of focusing on a few that can make a real and lasting difference.
What have you found most surprising about your role?
It’s been surprising just how different the culture is across each location I work in. There are common values and systems, but each has a unique feel. I enjoy that as it adds a new dimension to my work. You have to create programmes of support that are not only tailored to a particular student, but also to a particular college environment.
What personal qualities do you feel you bring to the role?
I hope I bring empathy. I know what it’s like to be the first to go to university in your family. Understanding progression systems and all your options can be overwhelming when your parents or carers aren’t familiar with them.
I get that because I’ve got first-hand experience. But I’ve also got first-hand experience of just how rewarding it can be, so I feel privileged to be in a situation where I can help young people who, like I was, are facing significant barriers to pursuing their education to a higher level – whether that be university or apprenticeships.
What advice would you give to any young person who was struggling with college life?
Always talk to others! It’s easy to think that you’re the only person going through what you’re struggling with. But you’ll be surprised. There’s nearly always someone feeling similar. There’s always support if you look for it, and just sharing your situation can take a huge weight off.
And what single piece of advice would you give to all young people at college?
Try not to get overwhelmed. You don’t have to have all the answers and you don’t have to have your entire future figured out.
Try to take everything a day at a time and enjoy the experience. Make the most of all the opportunities you have and be open to exploring new option. I’m living proof that you might end up on a different path from the one you were anticipating, but that new path can be equally or even more rewarding!
You can find out more about our work with FECs here or you can contact Lucy Jenks our Post 16 Liaison Manager.