What Happened When I Started School at 17?

# A Journey of Perseverance and Hope: Overcoming Adversity in a New Land ## Summary Arriving in a new country can be a daunting experience, especially for young individuals who are navigating the complex landscape of adolescence, cultural differences, and the challenges of displacement. This article shares the inspiring journey of a young person from Eritrea who overcame immense obstacles after relocating to the UK. Through community support, personal determination, and a commitment to growth, they transformed their life, shifting from isolation to recognition as a beacon of hope for others. ## The Challenge of Starting Over ### A New Beginning At just 16 years old, I found myself in a foreign land, the United Kingdom, feeling lost and alone. The streets were quieter than I was accustomed to, the people looked different, and the language was foreign. Everything felt surreal, almost like I was in a dream. I had uprooted my life from Eritrea to Ethiopia due to religious persecution, only to flee to the UK again because of the escalating Tigray war. ### The Struggles of Isolation Living in care and moving from one place to another made it difficult to build connections. It felt like I was starting from zero, stripped of my cultural identity, language, and the comfort of familiar faces. The adjustment was overwhelming. I was not allowed to attend school initially due to my immigration status, which left me without a routine or structure. Days blended into one another, filled with boredom and loneliness. ### Support Systems and the Search for Purpose Through the supported lodgings in Cardiff, I was fortunate to meet my carers, Dave and Rebecca. Their kindness and support guided me, but I still grappled with feelings of isolation. I yearned for a routine, for learning, and for social interaction with peers my age. ### Discovering ESOL Classes In an attempt to fill the void, I enrolled in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. While these classes helped improve my language skills, they weren't enough to give me a sense of purpose. I craved more opportunities to learn and grow, to forge connections that would help me feel less isolated. ## The Turning Point: Joining the King's Trust ### A New Opportunity It was my social worker who introduced me to the King’s Trust and their Explore programme. This initiative aimed to help young people like me build confidence and develop essential life skills through workshops, activities, and mentoring. Initially hesitant, the thought of joining a group of strangers filled me with anxiety. However, I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try. ### Overcoming Anxiety Walking into the King’s Trust Centre for the first time was daunting. I was shy and uncertain about what to expect. Group settings often triggered my anxiety, and the fear of not understanding everything loomed over me. But something deep inside urged me to push through my fears, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. ### Gaining Skills and Confidence The Explore programme provided valuable insights into job readiness. I learned how to write a CV, practiced interview techniques, and acquired essential life skills that would help me in the future. More importantly, it offered an unexpected gift: freedom and confidence. ### Embracing New Experiences One of the highlights of my time at the King’s Trust was participating in a gorge walking adventure. Initially frightened, I was also exhilarated. It was a thrilling experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, I traveled by train for the first time, creating memories that would become milestones in my journey. ## Building Connections and Finding Belonging ### The Power of Friendship Through the programme, I formed friendships with other young people who shared similar experiences. We may not have spoken the same language, but we connected through our shared struggles and the encouragement we offered each other. For the first time since arriving in the UK, I felt a sense of belonging. ### Breaking Down Barriers The friendships I developed helped me shed the layers of fear and insecurity. I discovered that I didn’t need to hide or be afraid of expressing myself. The support of my peers and mentors allowed me to embrace who I was and to acknowledge my journey. ## Finding My Place in Education and Sports ### A New Chapter in School Eventually, I was able to attend school full-time at the age of 17, studying six subjects, including English. Each day became a new opportunity for growth and learning. I relished the chance to engage with classmates and participate in classroom activities, which significantly boosted my confidence. ### Rediscovering My Love for Football Football has always been a passion of mine. Joining a local team rekindled that love and provided a healthy outlet for my emotions. As an Arsenal fan, playing with a team allowed me to clear my mind and experience the joy of teamwork. Competing in a national tournament was a proud moment that solidified my love for the sport. ## Recognition and Hope for the Future ### The Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award Today, I am honored to receive the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award from the King’s Trust at a ceremony in London. Reflecting on my journey, it’s incredible to think that just over a year ago, I was lost and unsure about my future. This recognition serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come and that all my struggles have shaped me into who I am today. ### Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations With newfound hope, I have big dreams for my future. I aspire to study psychology to support other young people facing similar challenges. Additionally, pursuing a professional career in football remains a major goal. I understand that achieving these dreams will require hard work and perseverance, but I am ready for the challenge. ### Encouragement for Others To any young person who feels alone or stuck, I want to share this message: You are stronger than you think. It’s okay to feel lost, but remember that there are people out there who care and can help. Taking that first step, even when it feels intimidating, can lead to transformative experiences. ## Conclusion My journey from isolation to empowerment illustrates the resilience of the human spirit. With the support of dedicated individuals and organizations, I have transformed my challenges into stepping stones for a brighter future. I didn’t navigate this journey alone; I had a network of people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. As I look forward to the future, I am reminded that this is just the beginning. The experiences I've had, the friends I've made, and the lessons I've learned will continue to shape my path ahead. What will your first step be in overcoming your challenges? ### FAQs #### What is the King's Trust? The King's Trust is an organization dedicated to supporting young people in their personal development, helping them build confidence and essential life skills. #### How can I get involved with programmes like the Explore programme? Many community organizations offer similar programmes. Contact local youth services or community centers to learn about available opportunities. #### What are some tips for overcoming feelings of isolation? - **Reach out for support**: Connect with friends, family, or local community services. - **Engage in activities**: Join clubs, teams, or classes to meet new people and explore your interests. - **Set small goals**: Achieving small milestones can boost your confidence and sense of belonging. #### How can sport help in personal development? Participating in sports can improve physical health, build teamwork skills, and boost self-confidence. It also provides a social outlet and helps forge connections with others. #### What should I do if I feel lost in a new environment? - **Seek support**: Reach out to mentors, friends, or community organizations. - **Explore your surroundings**: Familiarizing yourself with the new environment can help ease feelings of discomfort. - **Embrace new experiences**: Be open to trying new activities or joining groups to meet people and expand your comfort zone. This journey is just the beginning of what is possible when we embrace change and seek support. What steps will you take to pursue your dreams? #Hope #Resilience #YouthEmpowerment