We’re proud to take part in this year’s #NoWrongPath campaign to raise awareness of a range of career routes and pathways that will always remain open to realising potential, no matter what results day brings.
Launched in 2017, No Wrong Path is a social media movement by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW). It has won awards and offers inspiration and reassurance to young people getting their results. This year, Results Day is on Tuesday, 5th August and we’re sharing stories from our team, mentors and supporters to show young people there are always options, no matter what news the day may bring later this week.
Rounding off our week of #NoWrongPath stories is Alesha Aljeffri, our North East England Partnerships Manager.
“Results week…aah the flashbacks! Anticipation, excitement, stomach full of butterflies and then the stark realisation that I didn’t get the grades I needed for my top choice. Funnily enough I can’t even remember which Uni that was now, but I do still remember the feelings that followed opening my envelope. Disappointment and for quite some time after…disbelief.
“Looking back some 30 years ago, I needed the equivalent of what today would be between 120 – 128 points to get on to my course. What on earth could I possibly do with the 24 I had attained? I think this only spurred me on, as I decided not to go through Clearing and instead just rang people out of my dog eared UCAS directory.
“Foolhardy, some people might say, but it paid off! Granted I didn’t get into the Uni of my choice, but I did get on to the course of my choice at Sunderland University, and thanks to a lovely professor in the Health Sciences Department, my journey began.
“This journey was also fairly bumpy…life has a habit of doing that! It took me 4 years to
complete my degree, and I’m not lying when I say I very nearly didn’t finish it. But again, thanks to the encouragement I received from my tutor, I persevered and graduated in 1999.
“You would think after that, I would follow the career path I had in mind when I was 19. But
no, 30 years later and I’ve spent absolutely no time in the sector that I thought I wanted to be
a part of and over 20 in a sector that I didn’t even realise existed! And what fun I’ve had (and
continue to do so) having recently started with MCR Pathways.
“My advice to those who have received their results this week – never lose faith in yourself, even when it seems hopeless, there is always light at the end of the tunnel!”
Alesha’s story bookends an incredible week taking part in the #NoWrongPath campaign. Sharing the stories of MCR Pathways colleagues, mentors and friends to reassure young people who have received their results this week that everyone’s journey looks different, there is no one route or path to success and that every route taken is equally valid.
There are thousands of young people across the UK who will be in the same position next year, opening that all important envelope. Those young people may need support through this stressful period, someone to be there for them, to help them see their potential, awaken their ambition and encourage them to reach for the stars.
If you would like to be that support to a young person in your community, register to become an MCR Pathways mentor here: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
