“Ever look at something and amaze yourself? Reading those small words consume you for a split second, a proud moment… it’s a sense of achievement which I can’t quite believe I achieved. The Herald Talent Taster totally changed my outlook.”
Today, we’re sharing Stephanie’s story. A mentored young person from Glasgow who is passionate about journalism. She’s making her dream a reality with the help of Young Glasgow Talent by MCR Pathways, her mentor, and our Pioneering Partner, The Herald.
The Herald have been part of several inspiring campaigns with MCR Pathways ensuring coverage across the city of Glasgow and beyond. Taking our support programme for care experienced and disadvantaged young people into the homes of thousands of potential volunteer mentors. Helping us spread the word to get the whole of Glasgow supporting our young people. The Herald has also delivered Talent Tasters. Experiences for young people to get a taste of their dream future career. Stephanie was thrilled when she attended a Herald Taster, led by the Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor. You can read all about that day here.
After excelling and showing a real interest and flair for journalism, Stephanie was invited back to The Herald offices for a week long follow-up experience. We’d like to thank The Herald for offering a YGT young person such an invaluable opportunity. Our partners have had an amazing impact on her confidence, aspirations and motivation to follow her dreams. Stephanie has been kind enough to treat us to her journalism skills! With this fantastic blog describing her experience, as she progresses, taking huge strides along her chosen pathway.
“Do you ever find yourself asking, is this what I want to do? Personally, I’m still not sure. I’m 15 years old waiting for exam results coming through the door at any given moment, but at the same time it’s the last thing on my mind.
An excuse to get off of school, a change of scenery perhaps? Whatever the reason may be, it’s so important to broaden your horizons when it comes to your future career. That’s why I went on The Herald Talent Taster, and ended up going back for a full week. It totally changed my outlook.
After The Herald Talent Taster back in May, I knew journalism was something I wanted to learn more about. I know I want to go into an industry where I’m excited to get up and use my time doing something I enjoy. I can’t say I wasted a single minute of my time during my week at The Herald.
I wasn’t even afraid to work the long hours! It was one of the best experiences of my life. Monday morning I already had a deadline for the Tuesday. The task was to write up 10 off-beat paragraphs, 15 words long, about days out in Scotland. Sounds easy and quick? Think again. It took me over a day and a half to research, phone, type it up and then edit it. Some of the places I had never heard of in my life.
Barclay McBain, Herald Deputy Editor, took Stephanie through the content planning stage of a creating that day’s newspaper
Tuesday I wrote a 500 word count on euthanasia just for practice as I had to write for the “what it feels like to…” column on the Wednesday. I had to interview a participant and then write in first person. Thankfully, Thursday was pretty relaxed. The last day I must say was the overall best. I wrote for the internet site about Donald Trump. As well as re-writing a recipe. Then I went out and watched Nicola Sturgeon get her photo taken.
I’ve learned so much and I’m so grateful for having this experience. I urge anybody to do what they want to do regardless of what stands in there way.”
A short time later, Stephanie saw the fruits of her Taster labour come to fruition. With the piece she worked on being printed in the Herald:
“Ever look at something and amaze yourself? Ever look at something and your world disappears? Reading those small words consume you for a split second, a proud moment, can’t quite describe but you know what I mean…it’s a sense of achievement which I can’t quite believe I achieved.”
What an incredible experience! Congratulations to Stephanie for her amazing motivation in working towards her dreams. Of course, every YGT young person is supported by an amazing mentor. Whose role is to just be there for their young person. Its this inspiring relationship which helps guide and support our young people down their chosen pathway. We spoke to Stephanie’s mentor, Helen… you’ll read her blog very soon! She’ll share how it felt seeing her young person embark on an incredible experience!
We have so many more inspiring young people like Stephanie signing up for MCR Pathways help and to become part of Young Glasgow Talent. They need a volunteer mentor to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as Glasgow Life and The Herald, simply GET INVOLVED!! We can’t wait to work with you to offer our city’s most needy a gateway to an expanding menu of opportunities and tasters of university, college and employment.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
