Can be when I want to be

"I’ve learned that I am quite shy but I can be confident whenever I want to be. I’m better at deep thinking and looking in to the meaning of things."

"ESIP has made me more confident about myself."

Impossible

"I have learnt that if I put the effort in and actually think logically about things I can do things that I many have thought were impossible. I am better at socialising with others and thinking more logically and in detail about certain things."

"ESIP is just great if you are confused about your future as this program helps organised and simplify your thoughts to make your pathway clearer."

Being able to stay strong

ESIP, for me, has been a really great and productive experience. Of course for me, and probably for everyone else, not being able to slack off on a Friday isn’t great but it is definitely worth the sacrifice.

Being a person who hates uncomfortable situations, I don’t usually find myself particularly excited to make my way to Forest School on a Saturday, but I always know it’s good for me and my future. I don’t like working with people I’m unfamiliar with, however in life, I know I will have to be able to stay strong in all sorts of situations. ESIP’s friendly and encouraging environment helped me to stay positive and work to the best of my ability.

I have learnt how to express my ideas around people I feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with, and now I can work effectively in a group.

The majority of the ESIP sessions indirectly or specifically taught us to think critically; to consider things from all angles, in order to make good decisions. Being able to think over and consider things properly before acting has really helped to develop my character. It has helped to make me less foolish and feel less regret.

ESIP has helped me gain good confidence that helps me with work situations. ESIP has also taught me to stay optimistic, accept problems, take them in my stride and just try to fix them.

I can now also take more realistic approaches to situations, helping me to result with a productive outcome.

I am so happy and grateful that I am able to take part in this character developing, stress relieving project! I improve myself every session and go home inspired and motivated. I now look forward to every session because I love the feeling of accomplishment! I hope I can attend every next upcoming session and become an even better person.

I am not you. I don't want to be anyone but me.

My ESIP Story - the trigger and the possibility (download PDF of the images below)

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.