Alex’s story

International student Alex had just started a Masters Degree when he took part in the Grit Black Leaders Programme at the University of Hull .

 I’d only been in the UK for a few months. On top of all the studying I am working part-time to develop myself, so I didn’t have time for much else. Then I did the Grit programme. 

There was a real sense of purpose and focus about the workshop. No idle chatting, no fiddling on phones. Everybody was very attentive. It was the first workshop I’d been in as an adult that didn’t use PowerPoint or other media. The trainers connected with every single one of the participants, bespoked it for everyone’s individual experience. And yet they still delivered to the whole group. It was very impressive.

For me the key moment was when I shared something that happened to me when I was younger. The trainer got me to understand that, no matter what, stuff happens. You can’t control everything. But the important thing is what you do next. It’s how you respond that makes you the person you are.

I realised that if I was going to get to the next level it was up to me to take ownership, take responsibility, to be a leader in my own life. It was no good blaming lecturers, tutors, the university. It is up to me to do what I need to get good grades. So, I’ve been much more focused and it’s having a positive effect on my studies.

Grit gave me the confidence to be a leader, and to be seen as a leader. So, I’ve been a course rep and a Student Ambassador. I’ve organised sessions with other students in the faculty, with other course reps and faculty reps, to share my academic experience, to share information and connections I’ve made. I’m going out of my way to share my story with other students, with the Students Union, and with the university. I’m going out of my way to be visible.

Part of leadership is about giving back. I won an award for my volunteering in the university library – it was so important to have my contribution acknowledged, to make it seen.

Grit expanded my horizons, made me realise the importance of relationships with other people. I’ve become close friends with some of the other people on the course and I feel part of the university much more. Before Grit I would say I was about 10% connected. Now I’m 100% connected.

If you really want to move to the next level Grit will enable you to drill down and find the qualities, the talents that you didn’t know you had. I’m proud to be making a difference. I’m proud to be a Black Leader.