Alumni Advice
Dear LAE Student
I hope the demands of school life, and the shorter, colder days of winter, are not getting you down. An affirmation that I have always found useful is that I am proud of myself for my goals and proud of my resilience in sticking to them, regardless of any barriers. Many of you will currently be navigating the challenges of aiming for careers that are new to your family and your direct community. Try to appreciate that the perspective your lived experience gives you is unique and the resilience that you develop will make such a difference to your ability to enjoy and appreciate life. We should all celebrate our 'thick skins' as we achieve in an academic, working and social world that has not traditionally been set up for us. At some point in the future, if you feel able, find a way to share the unique journey you have taken and lessons you have learned with younger people who are in a similar position to yourselves now. This could be achieved in many ways including going back to speak at your school; writing a blog of your experience; volunteering at access days and events or even participating in committees that can bring about change in academia or your place of work. Achieving inclusivity requires feedback and action; only those who have gone through it know the real challenges, and therefore some of the solutions, to improving ethnic and socio-economic diversity in underrepresented settings. Reflecting on my journey gives me a personal sense of purpose when I feel a little lost in my day-to-day tasks. I hope it is somewhat helpful for you too as you continue on your journey to doing amazing things! Ella Henry LAE Cohort 2016-2018, University of Cambridge (BA and MPhil), University of Colorado Boulder (PhD)
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