Personal background
My name is Hector Lancaster, I’m a PhD student working on novel electrochemical energy materials at UCL. Finding ways of enabling young people to reach their potential is something I feel strongly about, so when I heard about the work that Bridging the Future was doing I knew I wanted to get involved.
Joining Bridging the Future
One of the founders of BtF was a regular in our labs and successfully sold the idea to me. We all have limited energy but this seemed like a way of employing it very effectively.
Online mentoring experience
My approach has evolved over the two years that I have been working with my student. It started with a very interactive but lesson-heavy approach, priming them for topics to come. Now it is more of a collaborative session, where I ask my student to complete tasks during the week, note topics of difficulty, and support them with planning for their future.
Programme impact
I think that BtF empowers the students to achieve their dreams, offering support, encouragement and an excellent network of academics.
Personal growth as a mentor
My experience as a BtF mentor has helped me hone my teaching skills, including communication and session design. It has empowered me to leverage my network to support positive change. I also have personal satisfaction in seeing my efforts rewarded by my student’s progress.
I have a much deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in education, and which of these are unique to them or shared by other underprivileged groups. Our political climate is very hostile to refugees at the moment, and I wish those responsible would take time to truly understand the individuals affected. I feel privileged to know my student, and we are privileged to have them here.
Advice to future mentors
Do it.
