IN THIS ISSUE
Photos from IntoUniversity’s Next Big Leap Gala Evening 2015.
We meet Sonia and Anthony Ling who supported our expansion to Oxford.
An interview with Sering, a student member of IntoUniversity’s Advisory Panel.
SPRING 2015 | ISSUE 6
Sering Ceesay
IntoUniversity Hackney South
Support in every aspect of your life
Sophie Count
Sophie has been a Fundraising
Officer at IntoUniversity
since November 2013 and
is responsible for individual
giving at the charity. She
previously studied for an
MSc in Social and Cultural
Psychology at LSE and was a
sabbatical officer, representing
postgraduate students within
the Students’ Union.
Sering’s Outward Bound
trip to Canada was
generously funded by
The Stuart Horne Bursary.
Sering is a Year 13 student at The Bridge
Academy in Hackney and is studying for A-levels
in maths, economics and sociology. He has been
enrolled on the IntoUniversity programme at
the Hackney South centre since 2011. Sering
recently applied to become a student member of
the IntoUniversity Advisory Panel and, following
an interview, was successfully appointed.
He attended his first Advisory Panel meeting
in October 2014. Sophie recently caught up
with Sering to talk about his highlights with
IntoUniversity so far and what it means to him
to take on this new role.
Sering’s first encounter with IntoUniversity
Hackney South was through the Academic
Support programme; he visited the centre for
support with homework, casually to begin with,
and then more frequently. His parents had not
attended university, although some of his older
brothers had, and he was already considering
that Higher Education might be the next step for
him. Having noticed his growing commitment to
his studies and his future, the centre staff began
to approach him with opportunities to develop
his aspirations both for Higher Education and
his career. Highlights of this time were a creative
thinking workshop at Burberry as well as visits to
top London universities, including Imperial, UCL
and Birkbeck. Sering sums up his experience with
IntoUniversity: ‘I’d say they provide you with a lot of
support in pretty much every aspect of your life…
once you get to know them they’re just like
a second family to you.’
Recently Sering was put forward by IntoUniversity
to spend two weeks in Canada on an Outward
Bound trip: an expedition into the Rocky
Mountains designed to develop inner strength,
courage, compassion and determination.
He began his adventure at Calgary International
Airport, where he met Outward Bound personnel
and fellow group members, before being driven
to the Rocky Mountains. The trip represented a
real challenge for Sering, testing his limits with
long days of hiking, but every day he felt he was
getting stronger and vowed that he was ‘not
going to be beaten by hiking’. The mentors who
ran the trip were spiritual people and Sering
vividly describes his first experiences of yoga and
meditation on the trip, sitting silently by a creek.
His favourite moment of the experience came after
one particularly taxing day of hiking; the joyous
feeling of reaching the top of a mountain and
throwing down his heavy rucksack overwhelmed
him. Sering is still in touch with the other mentees
on his trip, a mixture of British and Canadian young
people to whom he grew close during his time in
the mountains.
Sering found out about the opportunity to join the
Advisory Panel through one of the centre staff at
IntoUniversity Hackney South. After hearing about
the role, he decided that it seemed like the perfect
opportunity to become more involved with ‘a great
institution’ like IntoUniversity. Having seen firsthand the kind of support and encouragement that
our staff are able to offer young people, he decided
that it would feel good to be a part of that process.
He describes the most striking discussion
at the first meeting being about the future
plans of the charity and aims for expansion
in new cities. Another prominent feature of
the meeting for him was the speakers – he
found Anne-Marie Canning of the Widening
Participation Department at King’s College
London particularly inspiring.
Once you get to know
them they’re just like a
second family to you
With the support of the Hackney South centre,
Sering recently submitted his university application
to UCAS. East Anglia, Aberdeen and Essex are his
top choices and he would like to study economics,
believing that this will stand him in good stead
for his future career. Currently he is interested in
marketing although he looks forward to finding out
more about the different careers available to him
when he gets to university. When asked which three
things he is most looking forward to about the next
few years, he answers: experiencing the freedom
of living on his own, practising self-motivation and
feeling a sense of community amongst people of his
own age with whom he shares the same interests.
He goes on to add that his primary motivation for
pushing himself at school is not money, admitting
that it doesn’t really mean much to him. Instead he
wants to make his parents proud and to know that
he won’t struggle in the future: ‘I just want to do my
best, I don’t want to have any regrets.’
aspire |
IntoUniversity | Spring 2015
2015 Gala Evening
IntoUniversity’s Next Big Leap Gala Evening took place at the
Royal Institute of British Architects and was kindly supported by UBS
Insight
Supportive. Educational. Fun.
Why I chose to work for IntoUniversity
Sydney Wesley-Weeks
Sydney recently graduated
with a degree in Classics from
Pembroke College, Cambridge.
She joined IntoUniversity’s
Graduate Scheme in January
2015 and, following her
training period, was placed
at IntoUniversity Brent
where she is now the Primary
FOCUS Co-ordinator.
During my last few months at university,
I tried my best to avoid that looming
question: what was I going to do next year?
Whilst some friends seemed to balance job
applications, a social life and finals, I used
a skill I’d been practising for three years:
procrastination. As summer came to an
end I felt completely clueless about the
future. But, looking back just half a year later,
I realise I’d known I wanted to work with
young people and that the IntoUniversity
Graduate Scheme had secretly been on
my radar for months. I first encountered
IntoUniversity when I became a student
welfare officer – my tutor told me about the
new IntoUniversity Walworth centre and the
exciting projects based there. As soon as I
enquired, the Walworth team welcomed me
as a visitor and soon as a volunteer. This gave
me the opportunity to meet and support
some amazing young people and to gain
some insight into the Academic Support,
Primary FOCUS and Buddy programmes.
Although I know exactly when I first visited
an IntoUniversity centre, it’s more difficult
to say when I began to feel strongly about
educational issues. My cohort of trainees
recently participated in a workshop exploring
the different factors which influence the
identity and aspirations of young people,
and evaluating the factors which shaped our
own lives and I realised that so many different
people and experiences have impacted on
my own decisions. I was lucky to grow up
in diverse and vibrant Hackney, and I can
pinpoint role models who helped me at
every step of my educational journey, from
energetic primary school teachers to friends’
parents and my own family. They supported
me to build my own aspirations, and the
realisation of the impact of their support
represented a key reason why I applied for
the Graduate Scheme at IntoUniversity.
In Year 11, one teacher introduced me to
the idea of studying ‘classics’. I remember
thinking it was definitely either something to
do with orchestral music or maybe books.
When completing university applications
in 2010, my sense of achievement and
trepidation was set against a backdrop of
nationwide controversy over rising university
fees. It was hard not to be aware that
while my friends and I navigated our options
for the future, the UK was being forced
to re-evaluate crucial questions about who
was able to access Higher Education.
Once I arrived, university was an environment
where we were encouraged to think about
the world outside of our little bubble
of friends and lectures. Cambridge often
featured in newspaper headlines about
elitism and I began to realise that however
much universities might be attempting
to create fairer application systems,
inequality is a wide and complex issue.
However, much as these social factors
motivate me, my reasons for working at
IntoUniversity are less about statistics and
more about working with young people.
I had the opportunity to
meet and support some
amazing young people
All the opportunities I’ve had to work
with students have been exhausting and
challenging, but most of all, creative and
exciting. Teaching on summer camps in
Hong Kong was a highlight of the last few
years: from feeling terrified on the bus on the
way to my first lesson to the uncontainable
enthusiasm of some of the young people
to take part in bizarre activities I’d created to
improve their English. Just before I started at
IntoUniversity in January, I was a volunteer at
a local literacy social enterprise, the Hackney
Pirates, and every session reading with young
people in a pirate ship made me feel certain
that I’d chosen the right graduate scheme.
Right now, I’m delivering the programmes
that I learnt and practised during training,
often through role-play scenarios (with
some graduates showcasing their dramatic
talent by depicting some especially tricky
Year 10 behaviour). So far, I’ve really enjoyed
the last few months, being trained by and
working alongside incredible, creative
people - an experience a lot like university!
IntoUniversity’s support from The Queen’s Trust
The Queen’s Trust has generously
granted IntoUniversity £1,000,000 for
the year ending 31st March 2016. This is
the largest one-year grant in the charity’s
history and a hugely significant investment
in the charity’s strategic growth.
The Queen’s Trust has been a key partner
of IntoUniversity since 2013, and we
would like to express our thanks for their
commitment to, and support for, our work.
The Queen’s Trust exists to
encourage and enable young
people to help others. One
of the Trust’s main areas of
interest is initiatives that will
benefit young people through
programmes that raise attainment
levels in education as well
as those that help improve
collaboration and confidence.
Volunteer profile: Gemma Bell
Gemma has been a mentor to Ivy (pictured right) at
IntoUniversity since January 2014. With Gemma’s support,
Ivy secured a place at King’s College London and is now
enjoying her studies in Adult Nursing.
How would you describe your career?
I work for a global luxury brand as part of the Commercial
Procurement team. Our department supports our global
business to manage our indirect supply base. This includes
IT, marketing, facilities management and supply chain.
I work within the IT spend area and with the global IT team
to manage their costs. This is done through a combination
of tendering current spend, negotiating improved terms
with incumbent providers and running tender processes
for any new project spend we have.
What inspired you to become an IntoUniversity mentor?
I got involved with IntoUniversity during my first week at
my current job by attending an introductory talk for the
Corporate Mentoring Scheme. I’ve always had a keen interest
in volunteering and was involved in establishing a corporate
mentoring scheme at my previous job. I’ve been very
fortunate to have grown up with a lot of support from my
family, friends and school. But even with all of this I still found
school challenging and the transition to university pretty
scary. The work that IntoUniversity does to support young
people during this exciting stage of their life is fantastic and
I’m honoured to be part of it.
What kind of activities have you done with your
mentee so far?
Ivy and I meet once a month either at the IntoUniversity
centre in Brixton or a local coffee shop. During our sessions
we catch up on life and school work etc. and then get on
to talking about all things university-related. We spent a
lot of time preparing for assessment days at the various
universities Ivy had applied to. Once she had received her
place we spent time together looking into her student
loan application, re-writing CVs, and researching social clubs
and course information. We also attended the final year
mentoring event which involved meeting all the other
Corporate Mentoring pairs, getting everyone excited
to start their university courses.
Have you seen any changes in your mentee as your
relationship has progressed?
Applying for university is daunting for anyone, especially
if you’re the first in your family to do so. As part of this process,
and our on-going relationship, Ivy has really grown in her
self-confidence and awareness of life outside of college and
the opportunities that are out there for her.
Do you think that you have discovered anything about
yourself in the process?
I’ve discovered that you’re never too old to take another
look at your life and make sure you’re doing something
you’re passionate about and enjoy.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming
a mentor?
It’s a hugely rewarding and fun experience for both people.
You’ll be surprised at just how much you’ll learn even if you’ve
only recently finished university. You’ll also be surprised how
much you can help just by being there to listen and take an
interest in someone.
How would you describe IntoUniversity in three words?
Supportive. Educational. Fun.
aspire |
IntoUniversity | Spring 2015
Spotlight
‘It’s a very personal thing to be in a position
to support a charity like IntoUniversity.’
Please could you tell us about where you both grew up and
your educational backgrounds?
Sonia: I grew up in North London and went to my local primary
school. I sat the 11+, after which most of the children from my school
went to the local comprehensive. Instead, I got a place at Laytmer, a
grammar school. After sitting my A-levels I went to Christ’s College,
Cambridge and read Economics.
Anthony: I was born in West Yorkshire and lived there until age
five, we then moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales. I went to the local
state primary school and secondary school, from which I was lucky
enough to progress to Oxford University where I read Modern History
at Christ Church. Relatives on my father’s side of the family had been
to university but it was quite unheard of for people from my school
to go to Oxford.
Anthony and Sonia Ling are key supporters
of IntoUniversity’s work in Oxford South East,
in partnership with Christ Church, Oxford and
the University of Oxford.
After graduating from Oxford, Anthony began
working at Goldman Sachs as an analyst. He went
on to become Head of Research, Chief Investment
Officer and most latterly created ‘Sustain’ –
a product incorporating environmental, social
and governance issues into investing. He is now
focussing on his passion for developing intellectual
property into companies that will provide
solutions to major problems.
After graduating from Cambridge, Sonia joined
Schroders, an investment management firm, as
an analyst. She stayed there for seven years. She
then went to work at EMI Music dealing in strategy,
finance and EMI investors, before leaving to have
the couple’s two children, Mia and Leo.
Would you have had your careers without the degrees that
you achieved?
A: Absolutely no way. If you’ve studied at Oxford you have ‘gaudies’;
which is where people from your class in university return to the
college. Every time my friends and I go back we stand in the middle
of Tom Quad at Christ Church and contemplate how we got there
and the debt that we owe to the University.
S: Economics gave me analytical tools, research capabilities and
self-motivation. But, above all, university gave me a bridge into
the world of work. It was transformational and gave me an insight
into a world that none of my friends or family had worked in before.
At IntoUniversity there are a lot of children from non-English families
who are second or first-generation immigrants to the UK. I feel
an affinity as my parents moved from East Africa to live here –
although our heritage is originally Indian. Neither of them had
been to university. However, my school was a good grammar
school – a lot of people progressed to Higher Education – and this
gave me the aspiration to go to Cambridge.
Why did you want to support IntoUniversity’s project in
Blackbird Leys?
A: It was the connection with the University of Oxford that
brought the IntoUniversity project to our attention. James Lawrie
at Christ Church called up and said: ‘there is this fantastic thing –
IntoUniversity – we’re going to spend a day at a centre and we’d
like you to come’. From that introduction we said we would love
to set up something with Christ Church that could really link the
college to IntoUniversity on a long term basis.
S: I think both of us feel very fortunate. Neither of us paid for our
education or came from particularly privileged backgrounds so
we realise how much going to those universities has made such a
difference to our lives. It’s a very personal thing to be in a position
to support a charity like IntoUniversity.
What do you hope that the impact of your support will be on
young people who visit the centre?
S: I think it is about providing for the children what maybe a
middle-class person would be able to provide as a matter of course.
It’s giving them the insight, the resources and the aspiration to say:
‘this is possible, this could be for me. This might not be part of my
world now, I might not know anyone who’s ever been to university
but that shouldn’t stop me from thinking this is something I could do.’
A: If it can give them the aspiration and the support to achieve
their best, whatever that might be, then I think that it’s worth it.
The other thing that I am sure of is when one person does something
then others will follow – this knock-on effect will encourage more
and more of the children in that environment. If it can awaken
these young peoples’ aspirations then I think that it will have been
a great achievement.
Anthony, you recently attended the launch of the Oxford South
East centre…
A: The launch for me was a very emotional event; I couldn’t
believe how packed it was. It was great to see support from the local
MP who was clearly excited by the prospect of the new centre.
The testimonials of the children really brought a tear to my eye when
they spoke about what IntoUniversity already meant to them. It was
exactly what we’d hoped for. There has already been such an impact.
You have both volunteered with IntoUniversity, how would you
describe your experiences?
S: It was really enjoyable and interesting to see the older students
at a Business in FOCUS day. I think that particular generation has a
reputation for being quite cynical and I was impressed by how
they embraced the activity so enthusiastically. It was really nice
to see that engagement and hopefully they were inspired by the
business environment.
A: I’ve loved it. Every time I’ve come into contact with IntoUniversity
I’ve always been flabbergasted by the quality of the leaders in the
organisation: the passion and zeal that they bring to everything, their
compassion and the care that they show for the children and young
people they work with.
What advice would you give to a young person who is starting
to think about their career?
S: Just do it! Don’t be afraid, there is no reason why you can’t. If you
don’t have the support at school get help and information wherever
you can, for instance at IntoUniversity, don’t give up. I did work hard
and I don’t think you can gloss over that, but it’s worth it.
A: Without trying to sound corny, follow your dreams and don’t let
anybody get in your way. In terms of careers and university, don’t do
what everybody tells you to do, do what you love and do something
that you’ve got a real passion for. It means that it’s not like work - you
will enjoy it and you will be as successful as you possibly can at it.
If we can do it, anyone can.
We would love to hear your feedback about aspire.
To get in touch or to find out more about IntoUniversity please
visit our website www.intouniversity.org, drop Sophie an email
at sophie.count@intouniversity.org or call us on 020 7243 0242.
You can also follow us on
@IntoUniversity
www.facebook.com/IntoUniversity
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