I vividly remember being told about The Access Project when I was 15, only because I was quite terrified at the idea of having to travel to Central London by myself after school. Nonetheless, like most other students at Highbury Grove School, there was no chance my family could ever afford private tuition, so I keenly agreed to take part and became part of the first cohort of The Access Project students to be tutored.
My tutors were – as I remember thinking back then too – amazing. They were successful women who gave me a glimpse of what my career could look like in the future, making me work even harder at school. Of course they academically tutored me and helped me perform better at my subjects, but in my view, academic support is only a part of what The Access Project achieves. It provides students with a chance to naturally improve their cultural capital and commercial awareness. However, what I find most important is the motivation that my tutor inspired in me. Everything from their jobs, the offices they were based at and their experiences at work motivated me to work hard on my studies. My tutors held a pivotal role during my school journey to achieving my goals.
Between university and into my first year at my new job I tried my best to keep in touch with The Access Project. I did this through attending their launch events, breakfast sessions and an impact event. It was important not to lose touch with The Access Project because the cause behind it is of utmost importance to me.
Now I am on the other side, tutoring a GCSE student in English, a year and a half into my new job. As soon as I finished my A levels I decided I wanted to be a The Access Project tutor. It sounds cheesy, but having seen the positive impact The Access Project had on me, it would be selfish not to do the same for another student in the same position as I was when I was their age. That was just a natural step for me.
I thoroughly enjoy tutoring, and hope that I can have some kind of positive impact on my tutee and her studies. My tutee has a fantastic attitude towards our tutorials and is very keen and willing to learn, which is great to see. It is funny how many similarities I can see between myself as a GCSE student and my tutee; she also has a great outlook on tutorials! I realise students have to go through an application process to be considered for The Access Project, and I think this is an excellent idea. It ensures that the student is motivated and recognises the value that The Access Project is adding to their studies.
Tutoring is an incredibly rewarding experience and I look forward to many more years of it!
Fatos, The Access Project tutor and alumna
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Source: tap orig