christopher’s story
"I was scared and shy."
Christopher was nominated to take part in the AQA Unlocking Potential programme in 2021/22 because of his attendance and punctuality at school, and was partnered with Athlete Mentor Hannah Beharry, a former British champion boxer. The programme, delivered in partnership with education charity AQA, is delivered in schools across the UK. It aims to raise student's aspirations and expectations for future life goals, equipping them with a winning mindset that’s ready to achieve.
Young people are nominated by the school if they are currently fulfilling their potential and are being held back by one or more of the following: challenging personal circumstances; low self-esteem and a lack of confidence; lack of local opportunities.
“Christopher was extremely quiet, wouldn’t say hello to anyone, just keep his head down. He needed confidence boosting and the chance to discover who he truly was.”
Christopher’s teacher, Dominique Withey, Associate Head of Faculty, Kingsbury High School
After his mother and father split up when Christopher was just two years old, his home life changed; regularly moving homes and schools caused a lot of stress for Christopher. He struggled to stay in touch with friends, and when he was taken into care at age ten, his confidence plummeted.
Living in an area he didn’t know well, and having to make long journeys to and from school each day, Christopher often felt alone. In spite of this, he came into the programme with the mentality that he wanted to be brave and overcome his fears:
“I would stutter, and people would make fun of me; it was humiliating. I just wanted to show people what I was built of.”
Athlete mentor Hannah became a Champion in Christopher's Corner when he felt at a crossroads. Hannah's story resonated with Christopher and inspired him to strive to achieve more. The sessions, a mix of skills development and boxing, were fun, if not a little tiring! They unlocked his potential and left him excited for the future.
Reflecting on taking part in the programme, Christopher said:
“I see a massive difference in my self-confidence and self-discipline it’s changed my life, and I’m really grateful.”
Every year, AQA Unlocking Potential brings together the young people from the schools nationwide who had been nominated by their schools to benefit from the transformational sessions. Christopher’s time on the programme concluded with a celebration event at the Gherkin in central London, attended by 80 young people from 20 schools, along with their 17 athlete mentors. Since then the programme has expanded to 30 schools offering the programme to 120 young people.
A proud Hannah Beharry remarked on the fantastic suit Christopher was sporting and his transformation. Christopher now knows how to focus on his schoolwork, he is motivated, and his eyes are wide open and focused on his newfound ambition to be an actor.
"Christopher was beaming with energy and confidence; he has found his rhythm!"
A smiling Christopher now holds his head up high, lighting up the room as he walks in, with the self-confidence and self-discipline to achieve his dreams.
Christopher has continued to support the programme, taking part in sessions with the following year’s cohort. His school peers highlighted that hearing his story and seeing how confident the programme has made him, helped them to recognise their own ability to achieve.
Since taking part in the programme he has started the journey towards following his dream of being an actor.
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