I was introduced to the Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF) through Southside Young Leaders

Academy (SYLA), which empowers young Black boys to become leaders.

SYLA connected me to incredible opportunities — from the Mayor of London's Sports and Serious Youth Violence

Steering Programme to serving as an English Champion at a summer school for international students. These

experiences broadened my worldview and deepened my appreciation for different cultures.

Through SYLA’s partnership with RNCSF, I was offered a place at Berkhamsted School for Sixth Form. I’d never even

heard of Hertfordshire, but accepting that offer was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. RNCSF opens doors to

world-class education for young people like me from underprivileged backgrounds.

Boarding school gave me access to outstanding teaching, competitive sports, and facilities I’d never had before. More

importantly, it exposed me to people with different values and perspectives — reshaping how I see the world and my

place in it.

Berkhamsted gave me a gift of freedom that I'd never had before. Real independence. Coming from an environment

where I was quite sheltered, this shift was not without its challenges. I slacked off, especially in Further Maths, but those

challenges taught me discipline, time management, and how to take ownership of my life. For the first time, I wasn’t

studying for my teachers or my parents — I was doing it for me.

What stood out most at Berkhamsted was the people; I had never been surrounded by such diversity and ambition and

had the chance to experience friendships that will last a lifetime. We shared stories and laughs, and had access to

activities I’d never imagined — weekly basketball, gym sessions, swimming. Coming from a background where sport was

not easily accessible, the prospect of being able to train and compete every week was a privilege.

Now I’m studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. Thanks to Berkhamsted, I learned that aiming

for just 40% isn’t enough. I was elected First-Year Rep for the Chemical Engineering Society, helped organise events, and

was honoured as “Fresher of the Year.”

Opportunities are like doors. Each one you open leads to more — more growth, more memories, more moments that

shape who you are..