Courtney, sitter - L3 Liverpool

I am currently a student at Liverpool John Moore’s University, where I am studying a degree in Psychology. I previously attended Glenlola Collegiate School in Bangor, Northern Ireland, where I completed and received grades for my A Levels at grade D or above.

When I was at school, I did my work experience in Little Bear’s Day Nursery in Bangor. My main jobs were looking after and playing with children aged 0-12 but I also helped out with cleaning, washing dishes and preparing snacks and drinks for the children. It was hard work but I was very motivated and determined to give it my all. After my work experience had finished, I went back once a week and volunteered.

A couple of summers ago, I also did 2 weeks volunteering in Ghana, helping out a charity called United Through Sport and I worked with The Ghana Volunteer Project. My main jobs were teaching underprivileged children from ages 3-16 a range of subjects including English, Maths and Sciences. I also helped with painting jobs in a school, serving lunches to the school children through a food programme and teaching children how to swim. It was hard work and very tiring but it was an amzing experience which was extremely rewarding and inspiring at the same time.

In sixth year I was chosen as a peer supporter for a year 10 form class, which gave me the role of working very closely with a group of 13/14 year olds. It was amazing being a role model for the younger pupils. Being able to listen to their problems and guide them in the right direction was so rewarding but required a lot of patience, as it was sometimes hard to engage with an entire class at once. I would transfer this patience and commitment into any job or task I would be given.

This summer I volunteered at Positive Futures. This is an organisation to support families and individuals with kids, aged 10-20, who have mental disabilities and acquired brain injury. I helped with many activities which included trip out to the zoo, the farm and other places, as well as helping out with art sessions. As a volunteer, one of my jobs was to help the young people to develop their independence and social skills and at all times provide support that ensured the young people’s health and safety.

I have completed my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and I am currently working towards my gold. I think this shows that I am hard working, determined, dedicated and reliable which I would put into practice in any job I was given no matter how big or small. I also have grade two in piano, grade 3 in my theory and grade 8 in singing. I am a friendly, confident girl, who loves to keep busy and I give my all to everything I do or take part in.

I also find great pleasure in helping charities which is why I have taken part in many bun sales, abseiingl for Marie Curie Cancer, Abaana’s fun run and a sponsored dress up fun run in school as well as volunteering in The British Heart Foundation and Positive Futures.