One Degree Alumni Podcast Ep.4
Ep.4: Felipa D, an alumna from 2018 (Woodside High School, London)
Welcome to the One Degree Alumni Podcast, where we share inspiring success stories of young people overcoming significant challenges.
Each episode highlights the incredible journeys of youth who, with the support of the One Degree mentoring program, have defied the odds to start to achieve their dreams. From conquering personal struggles to breaking barriers and reaching career heights, these stories will motivate and uplift you. Discover how ‘one degree of change can open a lifetime of possibilities.
Brought to you by the One Degree Youth Mentoring Programme.
Music by One Degree alumnus – CONFLUENCE.
Here’s a summary of “One Degree Alumni Stories Ep.4” featuring Felipa, a 2018 student of the One Degree program:
Felipa reflects on her time with the One Degree program, recalling how she initially saw the Saturday sessions in English and math as more of a social event but later came to appreciate how the program supported her academically as her GCSEs approached. She shares her gratitude for the program, especially for the mentors who repeatedly explained difficult concepts until she and her peers fully understood them.
She mentions that it didn’t feel like traditional school, as the sessions were made fun and engaging, which she found beneficial. Felipa recalls being shocked when she was named Student of the Year during her time in the program. She attributes this recognition to her positive attitude, love of learning, and willingness to engage with the program.
After completing the One Degree program, Felipa describes her transition to college, where she studied subjects like sociology, media, and French. She found the shift from secondary school to college challenging, particularly in choosing subjects and adapting to a more focused workload.
During the pandemic, Felipa decided to take a gap year and work as a barista. This experience taught her patience, how to interact with different types of people, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in difficult circumstances.
Eventually, she returned to study sociology at university but struggled with the challenges of online learning during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Despite these obstacles, she recently completed her degree and is now planning to study Spanish for another year. Looking ahead, Felipa is considering a year of study in family law. Her overarching goal is to find a career where she can help others, whether through law, youth work, or other means.
Felipa’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive mindset through various life challenges, from education to work.