Everyone involved in Young Glasgow Talent is a Weegie Hero. Someone who goes above and beyond for our young people, to help them secure a brighter and better future. Of course, the young people themselves are Weegie Heroes. Overcoming adversity and taking charge of their own futures.
Nicole was one of our programme’s earliest young people. Disillusioned and disengaged with school, she was unsure of the amazing talent she actually had. She was so capable. But struggled to find the courage to try. Glasgow has so many heroes who mentor and stand behind every single one of our young people. There just to listen to them. To support them. Ensuring they have the same educational outcomes, career opportunities and life chances as every other young person. Can you be a hero? Will you join us?
Nicole is now a qualified care worker. A college graduate, she has won awards for her contributions to her local community. She was even recognised at the Scottish Parliament!
Here’s her experience:
“Growing up, my childhood wasn’t one of the best. A lot of close family members passed away and it was just a really tough time for my mum and dad. There were other factors and complications within the family home. However a positive side to my childhood would be that we were a close bonded family. Growing up with a big sister, big brother and little sister, allowed me to have individuals to speak to. People who were going through the same situation. They allowed me to confide in them when times got hard at home.
I had aspirations to become a policewoman, but had started to slowly become disengaged at school and my attendance became a worry. When I started meeting with my mentor, at first I found it hard to trust anyone or open up. I found it difficult to tell her what was happening in my family home as I didn’t know her that well.
My relationship grew with her when I realised that she had hope and belief in me, more than I did for myself. She was persistent and continued to try to help me even when I became disengaged and stuck in my bedroom. Donna stuck by me and didn’t tell me that I wasn’t good enough for the police force – she continued to inform me of how sticking in at school would benefit my future.
Once I left school I participated in the MCR Pathways programme, which allowed me to meet new contacts and got me into another programme called Tomorrow’s People. There, I learned the skills and gained the necessary experience to move into work. This included building and supporting projects within my own community. I won an award at the Scottish Parliament for my work in this programme.
I then applied to a college course Intermediate 1 in Child, Health and Social Care and was extremely surprised when I got offered a place after my interview. Whilst at college and doing my part-time job I did some volunteering. I won the Action for Children Community Woman of Influence award for volunteering for different organisations and overcoming the statistics stacked against me. I achieved a grade A for my intermediate 1 and then completed my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years at Glasgow Kelvin College, completing my HNC in Care and Administrative Practice by June 2016.
Since the beginning of my journey, I have participated in and completed two MCR Internships and have just been accepted to University to study for my 3 year degree in Adult Nursing.
Throughout my time with MCR Pathways I have encountered many different experiences and opportunities. Every day was different. One day I was in the office, the next I was outdoors joining in with the summer activities, being a photographer whilst enjoying the many different activities MCR Pathways had lined up for their summer programme. I was supporting the next generation of the programme’s young people. Challenging fears such as heights, hanging off rocks and taking pictures when the young people were abseiling, cycling and canoeing. I was even convinced to go pony trekking!
After building up my skills and confidence I was asked to be a Young Glasgow Talent ambassador. This allowed me to speak about my life story and my achievements. I love expressing to other young people and potential mentors how MCR Pathways helped me become a motivated individual and helping influence other young people. I’ve been working with school leavers, creating a transition plan and online community so that the young people have a guideline and information with their next steps. Helping them into positive destinations, like I was once helped.
For me, the MCR team are like family. I have even worked with the project director and founder of MCR Pathways. I have had the privilege of attending many events and doing talks for organisations such as the Scottish Funding Council, Wheatley Group and STV Live. With this, I have been able to meet some amazing and inspirational people over the years.”
We have many more phenomenal young people like Nicole who need Young Glasgow Talent’s help. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? You’ll guide utterly deserving and ambitious, young people, who are facing some challenges, through their education. Find out more and BECOME A MENTOR!
Can your organisation help? Meet Glasgow’s next generation of workers in our Talent Taster programme. You’ll deliver Tasters alongside our partners such as Glasgow Life and The Herald. To find our more GET INVOLVED!
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!
