Saadah’s story

Saadah was in her second year at university when she did a Grit programme.

My brother had always told me there was never any point in me going to university, that I’d never make anything of it. It seemed like he was right. I was having to repeat a module from my first year and my confidence was at rock bottom. I felt as if I wasn’t capable, as if I was dumb, not worthy of my place at uni.

There was no point in trying to talk to anyone. All my peers were progressing, it was all going so well for them. No-one would listen to me. I started avoiding my friends, convinced they had me down as a failure. I was lonely, totally lost. I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.

And then I met Grit.  

At the intensive I huddled in the middle of the group, hiding in plain sight so no-one would see me. It was daunting, especially the bit about standing up in front of everyone and speaking. That was well out of my comfort zone. Then I saw other people making themselves stand up and share stuff. I thought, ‘These people are the same as me. We’re in the same boat.’

When it came to my turn I was incredibly nervous. It really was a struggle. But at the end the trainer acknowledged me. She didn’t dismiss me. She was actually proud of me! I felt heard. I began to feel part of something.

In those three days I grew as a person. I realised I needed to stop looking for validation from other people, stop letting other people’s words define me. I was able to look to the future and see what options, what choices and opportunities I had.

Since then I’ve done so much! I was elected course rep, then school rep. I won a place on a highly selective, very prestigious programme where I was mentored by a leading professional, which was really inspiring! And I was one of only three students selected for a place on a leadership programme.

Without Grit I wouldn’t have even put myself forward for any of these, let alone done them. I still had that voice in my head saying, ‘This isn’t you. You’re not good enough for this.’ But then I had Grit in my ear saying ‘You can do it. You have it in you. Don’t limit yourself.’

Now, even though I’ve already taken longer than most to get this far, I’m doing a placement year before going back to finish my course.   I refused to be hurried, let other people make decisions for me. I know I will be more employable and have more useful skills if I do. It’s my future. I’ve taken control.

I am so thankful to Grit. I know it’s a cliché, but it really has changed my life. It’s made me feel like I belong. And I’ve been a volunteer coach on a couple of their programmes.

So, when people ask me what Grit is all about, I say, ‘Just do it!’