Weegie Heroes has been an inspiring YGT experience. We’ve heard incredible stories from every kind of volunteer and organisation that makes our mentoring programme so successful. Showing the fantastic work Glaswegians from all over the city are putting into helping the young people who live here. Some of the most moving stories have come from our young people. This one is no exception!
Today we’re sharing an amazing story of motivation, commitment and resilience. Our young person produced this with her Pathways Coordinator, Louise. Based in every YGT school, each of our PCs support our mentors who are guiding and helping our young people. The young person in this PC’s school has just finished her exams and achieved some truly fantastic results. It’s a testament to the true power of mentoring. Here’s their story:
“I’m Louise, a Pathways Coordinator based in Saint Mungo’s. Amy* and I worked together on her application to the University of Strathclyde’s Accelerate programme. The programme is held at the University, for pupils at the end of S4, S5 and S6 thinking about going. It aims to provide a targeted focus on the pupils’ chosen area of academic interest, giving them a head start on the road to their chosen career. Amy applied to Accelerate 1 to take part in the Psychology Challenge. At the end of the week I received an email from Iain (Widening Participation at Strathclyde) to let me know that Amy had been voted the Most Outstanding Pupil in the Psychology challenge by the staff and student mentors on the programme. Amy is hoping to go on and study Psychology at university and this is a great first step for her!”
Well done Amy! This programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people like Amy who have aspirations of university. Young Glasgow Talent and our volunteer mentors help young people like Amy discover their spark for university. To support them as they take their first steps towards their further and higher education dreams.
Our Pioneering Partners, the University of Strathclyde, also ensure our young people meet others dreaming of going to university.
Here’s what Amy had to say about her experience:
“I applied for the Accelerate programme because I wanted an inside view of life at university. I am really interested in studying Psychology, so the Psychology challenge was the obvious choice. I was nervous when I first arrived, but within the first hour I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It was so cool to be surrounded by people who were interested in the same things as me. I made a lot of friends and I still keep in contact with them through group chats and stuff. We always let each other know what grades we are getting and arrange to meet up at different open days.
We got to meet lecturers who taught all different types of psychology and learned about so many interesting things. I loved it! We learned how to write university-style essays and were given one to complete for a deadline 2 weeks after the programme ended. I completed mine and got 64% – I was really pleased with this for my first ever university essay! It also got me credits towards my degree for when I start university in 2 years.
I wasn’t expecting there to be an award at the end of the week and I definitely didn’t think I was going to win! I thought the prize would go to the person with the most knowledge about psychology, but they picked me because I was enthusiastic and asked so many questions. My hand was up all the time! I loved the whole experience and it has really made me realise that Psychology is what I want to do when I leave school.”
*Child’s name has been changed to protect their identity.
We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. Inspiring and determined people like Amy. Who need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? You’ll guide disadvantaged, but utterly deserving and ambitious, young people through their education. Find out more about Becoming A Mentor.
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 using the ‘share’ buttons below!
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 disadvantaged a gateway to an expanding menu of opportunities and tasters of university, college and employment.
