Personal background & discovering Bridging the Future
Can you introduce yourself and share your educational journey before participating at the summer school? How did you learn about the Bridging the Future summer school and online mentoring programme?
Hi, my name is Samah Al Chahad. I am from Syria. I am a student at City of Westminster College. I am studying BTEC Science Level 3. I heard about the Bridging the Future summer school from a programme and organisation that are helping and supporting refugee people. I heard about the online mentoring programme from the summer school. I did apply to the programme to learn more about UCL University because I am interested in studying at it. Also, to learn more and to improve my knowledge about university life because I am moving to university next year. Furthermore, to have good communication with other people.
Summer school experience
What subjects or skills did you focus on during the summer school programme, and how do you feel your academic skills improved through attending?
At summer school the programme focused on science because it is my favourite subject, and on English to improve my English. I really improved, because the science topics that we discussed at summer school we do not have at my college — it was lovely to learn more about science and English. We have done many lovely things at summer school like doing a poster and using a microscope and taking a picture from it. I have many pictures from this lovely experiment. Also, it was a challenge between the students to take the best picture from the microscope and I was the winner. I would love to share the picture.
Online mentoring experience
Can you describe your experience with the weekly online mentoring sessions, and how did your mentor support you throughout the programme?
For the online mentoring and tutoring experience, it was good and helpful. I can say I was lucky because I started while my exams were beginning. Also, I had much difficulty with chemistry and physics, and my mentor was good at it — he did a very good job with me, describing and explaining all the topics that I wasn’t comfortable with in chemistry and physics. Also, I am in an important year on my course, and I need to write a very good essay for my assignment, and I wasn’t good enough to do that, and he helped me to do that.
Personal growth and development
How has the Bridging the Future programme impacted your personal growth and development, and what new skills or knowledge have you gained?
The Bridging the Future programme impacted my personal growth in really good ways. I met new people who are more knowledgeable about university life and how to apply to university, and what I should do before applying. Also, it improved my personality to communicate with other people without being shy or scared about anything. I improved my knowledge about science and my skills in English. This project gave me a lot of hope to continue my dream and walk towards it with a strong step, without shaking at all.
What advice would you give to other young people considering the Bridging the Future programme?
This is a lovely programme and you all should join it every summer. Please do not be shy to ask any question about anything during the programme — it is your chance, so do not waste it. Also, do not leave any day during the programme without meeting or talking to other people and having good communication with them. You are helpful — do not stop here, keep going. There are many students who need your help, so please, do not stop.
