I have always been bullied, both at primary and secondary school. Mainly due to my size because I am of small build and I get picked on because I look different to others my age. I’m more confident now since joining Young Enterprise however. I have learnt to stand up for myself; learnt that I don’t need to be physical. I can speak up for myself much better now and do not become as anxious when people try to pick a quarrel.
I live with foster parents with my 17-year-old brother. I’ve lived with them all of my life, so it doesn’t feel like a hardship, they’re my parents and things are going well.
I began Young Enterprise to learn something new. It wasn’t supposed to be a lesson; I could improve my existing skills, and learn new skills in a different way which was more practical than learning other things at school.
Above all, participating in Young Enterprise has given me the ability to speak up for myself.
I think I have been the most devoted member of the Young Enterprise team. I’ve given up a lot of my time, but that wasn’t a problem because I got a lot out of it. It also made me feel valued because I was offering a service and a product that people needed. Although I do not actually want to go into business, Young Enterprise has helped me understand how businesses are run. We learnt that before you can be successful with any product or service the team dynamics have to be right. If people in the group are not prepared to give of their time or effort, then no matter how good a thing is it will not necessarily sell.
The best thing about Team programme is that I learnt about people. I learnt to have a conversation with them and was generally more relaxed around people.
Over the two years a lot of things have not felt like a success, but overall my skills have improved and I feel more confident than I used to. I feel I can move forward now and express myself more effectively, and have my opinion heard when appropriate.
Above all, participating in Young Enterprise has given me the ability to speak up for myself.
I’m hoping to do electronics or mechanics in the future and I think I’m better prepared for that now. I’m taking BTEC in Media and Public Services next year. That way I can continue to develop my skills.
