Believing in myself - I can

So far, for me, ESIP has been more than just a 3 year gifted and talented programme. It’s been more of a journey.

Before I started ESIP I was really shy. Even though after the two and a bit years I’m not the most outspoken and confident person, there’s definitely been improvements.

The most obvious improvement is that I have in fact gained a lot more confidence. I know this because over my time in ESIP I have done things I wouldn’t have normally done. For example, in the Business Meets Emerging Scholars event I presented our feedback to everyone. This is also partly to do with the resilience and determination I have gained from ESIP.

It’s because of those two things that I am willing to do things I wouldn’t normally do and if I don’t do too well at them first I know I will be able to do them later if I try again and give it my best.

Having this belief in my own ability has also made me do small everyday actions which I normally wouldn’t do. For instance, now I don’t mind putting my hand up in class if I need help. This has helped a lot academically (because I ask for help for things I don’t understand sometimes.)

Overall, ESIP has helped me in many ways and has made obvious improvements that are going to help in the long term academically and in terms of ability, belief and character.