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Mentoring Journeys: Habon's Story

Writer's picture: The Catalyst TeamThe Catalyst Team

Updated: Nov 16, 2024

Recently, we caught up with Habon, a former mentee from our 2022/23 cohort, to hear about her experiences on the programme. Habon has recently completed a gap year, where she has spent some time volunteering for The Catalyst as Chair of the Youth Advisory Board.

 

Habon’s former mentor, Denise, is someone that she really looks up to. “I was fortunate to have the best mentor I could ask for, who supported me through the roller coaster called sixth form.” Habon described how her mentor helped guide her by talking about “her own journey as a teenage girl and a Black woman”. Denise was “really open minded and understanding that everyone has different perspectives,” allowing the pair to learn from each other’s unique experiences.


With the support of her mentor, Habon worked on her SMART goals, which related to studying, finding work experience, exploring career options, and improving time management. On the latter, Habon mentioned that she always used to be late for school, but that with Denise’s help, her organisation improved significantly. 


Habon also describes herself as a “go-getter,” explaining how she would sometimes struggle with balancing too many responsibilities. She said that while Denise always pushed her to do her best, and “be the best version” of herself, her mentor always encouraged her to “stay grounded and be realistic”.


Habon has found that her time management has continued to improve significantly - the lessons she learnt served her well after she finished the programme. She says that she has been “shocked” at how well she has been able to manage the different responsibilities of her gap year. As well as doing work with The Catalyst, Habon has a busy schedule as a maths and science tutor, and has also been taking several online courses.


The Catalyst held its first residential in April, and Habon was involved with the planning and delivery of the weekend. She found it really interesting and fun to take part in the activities, and to build positive connections with the mentees who are in the same position she was in a few years ago.

 

Reflecting on her time as a mentee, Habon describes it as “memorable and beautiful. Meeting so many ambitious women of colour in one place, where success is the common goal, really outlined my sixth form journey. I couldn’t be more grateful!”


From September, Habon will be studying Pharmacy at university. We are also really excited to welcome her on board the team as Junior Programme Delivery Officer, where she will continue her work with the Youth Advisory Board, and support The Catalyst in the delivery of our enrichment programme.


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