Anna’s story

Anna had just started as a student at Newham College of Further Education when she did a Grit programme – a three-day intensive followed by six months of coaching.

I’ve always felt I’m not good enough. I’ve always had these negative thoughts and feelings controlling me, telling me ”you can’t do this.” Grit taught me to understand how it was these feelings and thoughts that were getting in the way, were stopping me from doing what I wanted to do.

The intensive was such a safe space. We all shared stuff, personal stuff. And when I shared it felt like a heavy weight came off my shoulders. I could say everything that I’d been wanting to say and no-one was judging me. So I’m carrying that through into the rest of my life. I’m more confident and I talk more. I don’t have second (or third) thoughts about what to say.

It made me realise, as well, that so many other students were thinking pretty much the same as me. Since I arrived in the UK it has been difficult to make friends. I was shy and closed down. Through the Grit course I made friends that I still talk to everyday. It’s a really supportive group.

And then there are the exams. I never used to think I could do them. I spent all of my time listening to the voice that tells me I can’t focus, I won’t do well. It was so difficult to get motivated.  Now Grit tells me “I CAN do it” so I focus, I really get down to it.  And together with my friends we do a lot of group study, helping each other out. It makes such a difference.  It is such a boost.

And, guess what? I did well in the exams!

While I was on the programme I was interviewed for a sales assistant job. My thoughts were telling me, “don’t do this! You can’t deal with people. You have social anxiety.” But my coach helped me push through and I went to the interview. And I got the job. 

So then I worked with my coach on some simple things to improve my communications skills: talking more with co-workers and customers, asking simple questions. Things like that. It’s all building my confidence.

Before Grit thinking about the future was not on my agenda.  But now I can see where I want to get to – I want to be a Forensic Computer Analyst – and I’ve talked to my tutor about next year and how I can get into university.

Thanks to Grit I understand so much more about myself. I know that, whatever it is I want to do, that it’s up to me. And I know now that I have it in me to do it. Grit has put ME in control.