One Degree Alumni Podcast Ep.5
Ep.5: Cyril A, an alumnus 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.5” featuring Cyril, a 2018 alumnus of the One Degree program:
Cyril reflects on his time with One Degree, describing the program as fun and helpful. He admits that while he enjoyed joking around in class, the program helped him focus on improving his grades, especially in math and English.
He shares how the mentorship extended beyond academics, helping him prepare for real-world responsibilities, such as applying for jobs and managing his National Insurance.
Cyril talks about his work experience at Pret A Manger, which pushed him out of his comfort zone, especially when dealing with customers and working under pressure. This experience boosted his confidence and helped him later in life. After finishing One Degree and his GCSEs, Cyril pursued Sport Science at college.
During the pandemic, he discovered a passion for photography, inspired by his uncle, who was a photographer and videographer. He learned photography skills from hands-on experience and now works professionally, photographing events and people. One of Cyril’s standout moments was photographing Floyd Mayweather at a boxing event. This experience, along with hearing Mayweather’s motivational words about hard work and passion, inspired him to keep striving in his career.
Currently, Cyril balances a part-time job in the NHS with his growing photography business. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, patience, and not quitting a day job until fully established in a freelance career.
Cyril’s future goals include expanding into film and working with big brands or even starting his own company. He’s focused on perfecting his craft and is willing to take calculated risks as he moves forward.
His advice for students: Stay focused, disciplined, and work hard. He emphasizes that success requires dedication and resilience, and that it’s okay to try again if things don’t work out the first time.
Cyril’s story is one of growth, from building confidence to finding his passion in photography, while maintaining a strong work ethic and positive mindset.