When did you join the CoachBright programme?
I joined as a peer mentor when I was 16 years old but then when I turned 18 I applied to receive coaching for myself because I felt like my life was falling apart. My father had been diagnosed with cancer and it was really hard to cope. Home wasn’t an encouraging place to be and I just felt like everything was a huge mess beyond my control. It was a scary time.
Unlike most of my peers, I didn’t have anything figured out in terms of exams, university or career goals. I did have a vague idea of wanting to enter the legal profession but with everything going on I just figured it wouldn’t be possible. The pressure I was under was massive and I lost all my self-confidence.
How did Coaching help you?
The coaching I got made a real difference in my life in quite a short space of time. She was like a friend with great listening skills, as well as an adviser and motivator. She was there just for me and she could still see my spark when I thought it had gone and I couldn’t feel it. She kept telling me that I deserved any and all opportunities that came my way.
My coach not only helped me in terms of revising for my exams but made me see the wider picture in terms of university and experiencing a whole new adventure. I started being able to balance my study time better by not putting so much pressure on myself and for this I am forever grateful because it helped me regain confidence. I began to believe in myself – that eventually, I would find a way to figure everything out and that before too much longer I could be whatever I wanted to be. Without a doubt, coaching helped shape who I am today.
What are you doing now?
So let’s fast forward 4 years to now. I completed a further education placement and joined the Witness Service as a volunteer for a year whilst studying at university (yes, I got into university!) In 2021 I took on a team leader role with the National Citizen Service.
Last year I graduated with a first-class law degree! I accepted a graduate role at a high-street law firm. Basically, I took every single opportunity that came my way. A few days ago I accepted a new position with one of Birmingham’s top city law firms! Yes!
That is so inspiring. What advice would you give other young people?
My advice to any other young person reading this is to never underestimate your unique talents. Regardless of your background or personal situation, you really can still achieve anything you want. Ask for help and hopefully, you can get a CoachBright coach. It is about believing in yourself and learning that you can overcome challenges, and never be afraid of the unknown or of trying something new.
What are your future plans?
In the next two years, I will evaluate my experiences post-graduation and figure out if being a solicitor is something I still really want. If the answer is yes then I will begin a master’s, or I might just redirect my strengths and skills into the education sector.
I learned the hard way that life is unpredictable so I’m not going to impose any time limits upon myself – eventually, I’ll figure it all out.
