Meet Callum
Each month we meet one of the students who have benefitted from, or contributed to, our diverse range of progression programmes. This month we meet Callum who has been inspired by our Go Further programme to help other young people…
Each year Go Further supports around 1000 young people – and especially those facing potential progression barriers – to explore higher education and other Level 4 options.
Having been supported through the programme while at East Sussex College in Hastings, Callum is now using his own experiences to inspire and support other young people:
How did the Go Further programme support you Callum?
The biggest thing it did was to increase my confidence and encourage me to aim higher. The Go Further advisors saw the whole me and my potential beyond grades on a piece of paper. They encouraged me to be ambitious and to see that adding other skills to my CV could make me more attractive to universities and prove my commitment.
How have you found the last year?
The last year has been really tough. While I was studying for my A levels I tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to ICU in hospital with severe respiratory issues.
When I came out of hospital, the Go Further team was really supportive and helped me to make sure my university applications were as strong as possible. They also helped me find work experience as an Individual Needs Assistant at a local academy in Hastings. I’m very grateful because as a result I’ve got some great university offers.
How are you using your own experiences to inspire others?
Over lockdown the Go Further team invited students to create our own weekly vlogs and social media posts in regular ‘student takeovers’ so that we could offer our advice on everything from study skills, wellbeing and UCAS direct to other students. I’ve also become a Role Model volunteer too.
I really enjoy knowing that what I’m doing might help boost someone else’s confidence or encourage them to aim higher too. It’s even inspiring me to consider a career in teaching eventually…
For more information on the Go Further programme click here.