What Tamara did next – an alumni story

You may remember Tamara’s story if you don’t, it’s definitely worth a read!

Since then, she’s completed her A levels, gained valuable work experience and taken an exciting next step into university. We caught up with Tamara to hear how her journey has unfolded, and how Unitas helped her rediscover her belief in herself.

Tell us what you’ve been up to since your time at Unitas. What are you doing now, and what have you achieved?

Since my time at Unitas, I have completed my A Levels at Christ’s Hospital Boarding School, achieving grades ABC. I am now studying Computer Science at university, which is something I am really excited about as I continue developing my skills and working towards my future career. 

Over the summer, I was also given the opportunity to work at The Grove Hotel from the help of Unitas. This was a valuable experience as it gave me an insight into the world of work and taught me a lot about hard work, responsibility and working outside of the classroom.

What did you get involved in at Unitas, and what did you enjoy or value most about being part of the Youth Zone?

One of the things I valued most about Unitas was the freedom to explore lots of different activities. I never felt like I had to focus on just one particular thing. I was able to try singing, art, doing hair and even roller skating, which was something I had never done before. 

I really enjoyed being able to discover new interests and step outside of my comfort zone. Looking back, I think having the opportunity to try different things helped me become more open-minded and confident in trying new experiences.

How did the relationships you built with your youth workers and the Unitas team make a difference to you?

The relationships I built with the youth workers at Unitas were important because I always felt that there were people around me who were willing to listen and support me. Having people who encouraged me and gave me the confidence to try new things made a real difference. 

It was also valuable to have people I could talk to without feeling judged. Their encouragement helped me become more confident in myself and in the choices I was making for my future.

Did being part of Unitas change or influence how you thought about your future? If so, how?

Being part of Unitas helped me realise that I should be open to exploring different opportunities and not limit myself to what I already know. Being able to try different activities and meet different people showed me the importance of discovering what I enjoy and what I am capable of. 

That mindset has stayed with me as I have moved forward with my education. I am now studying Computer Science at university, and I think the confidence I developed through experiences like those at Unitas has helped me approach new opportunities with a more positive attitude.

Looking back, how do you think your time at Unitas has contributed to where you are today?

I think Unitas helped me develop confidence, independence and a willingness. Having the opportunity to explore different activities and experiences allowed me to become more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone. Those qualities have been particularly important as I have moved from school to university. Starting a new chapter has required me to be independent, adaptable and willing to learn, and I believe my experiences at Unitas helped me start developing those qualities from when I first joined over 3 years ago.

Was there a particular moment at Unitas that made a real difference to you or changed the way you thought about yourself or your future?

It’s hard to choose one moment because I genuinely value every time I go to Unitas the people there make every experience special. One moment that really stayed with me was being given the opportunity to share my story at a donation event. At a time when things at home weren’t good, I had lost myself and stopped believing in myself. Unitas helped me rebuild that confidence and realise that I wasn’t a burden and that I was capable of achieving anything. Being able to share my story publicly also made me feel like I was part of Unitas’ wider mission to help other young people. Since then, I’ve gone from struggling and failing at school to achieving strong results and new experiences’. Unitas helped me find my belief in myself again. I now know that my circumstances don’t define me I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.

Looking back, where do you think you might be now if you had never discovered Unitas or become part of the Youth Zone?

It is difficult to know exactly where I would be, but I do think some things might have been different. Unitas gave me opportunities and a voice, an environment where I felt supported. My home life was not the best so I didn’t have any belief to not let it change me. Without Unitas, I may not have had the same push outside of my comfort zone. I think Unitas played a part in helping me become the person I am today by giving me experiences and most importantly the people that encouraged me to be more confident and make a difference about myself.

What are you most excited about for the next chapter of your life?

I am most excited about university and studying Computer Science. It is a completely new chapter for me, and I am looking forward to developing my knowledge, meeting new people and becoming more independent. I am also excited to see where my degree can take me in the future. For now, I am looking forward to making the most of university and all the opportunities that come with it.

If you could tell a young person who is thinking about joining Unitas one thing about what the Youth Zone can do for them, what would you say?

I would tell them to give it a chance and be open to trying things they have never done before. One of the best things about Unitas is that you don’t have to know exactly what you are interested in when you join. You can explore different activities, meet new people and discover things about yourself along the way. For me, Unitas was a place where I could try new experiences, build confidence and feel supported. You never know which opportunity or activity might have an impact on your future, so I would encourage anyone thinking about joining to get involved, step outside their comfort zone and make the most of what the Youth Zone has to offer.