“I know my younger self would have appreciated volunteers like the ones from Form the Future.”
Amara McCalla, a Trainee Development Surveyor at Hill Group, sat down with us to discuss her experience volunteering with Form the Future.
Returning to her former school, Amara saw firsthand how much has changed since her time in the classroom. It was a full-circle moment that allowed her to offer students the kind of experience she felt was missing during her own journey of figuring out her career path.
I have one day of volunteering to use a year and so when I saw the event was at Coleridge Community College, which I used to attend, I knew I had to do it. I felt it would be a good way to put myself out there, build on my communication skills, but also help the students prepare for adulthood.
Back in school, I didn’t always value these opportunities, and honestly, the ones available weren’t great. So, I decided I wanted to make an impact and change that for today’s students.
Going back to the school was interesting, I think it’s really improved. The children were so well spoken, driven and had great ideas on what it is they wanted to do next. For example, which college or university they wanted to go to, or even the interests they have which you can then explore further to help them discover what kind of job they might be interested in.
For me, it’s about doing your bit where you can. I know my younger self would have appreciated volunteers like the ones from Form the Future.
The interviews also helped me personally; it showcased my own strengths and weaknesses. For example, I wanted to improve on giving constructive feedback, something which is central to these kinds of sessions. I can now use the skills gained and apply this to my job.
Every student is different, and while it can be difficult to know exactly what advice will resonate with them, simply trying your best is what matters. It’s about giving them that vital push toward potential career options.
I would definitely recommend this experience to others. It can reveal skills you weren’t even aware of, like communication and leadership, while helping you nurture your current skillset. Most importantly, it meant I was able to offer these young people the very experience I felt I was lacking when I was in their position.
Quickfire Career Questions
What job did you have before this one?
“Part time waitress”
What did you want to be when your were younger?
“I wanted to be in the housing industry.”
Best piece of career advice you have ever been given?
“To be yourself”
We share the Ambassador Spotlight in our monthly Ambassador Update emails, as well as on our website and social platforms. It’s a wonderful way to raise the profile of your own volunteering whilst supporting Form the Future in a new and different way.
If you’d like to feature in our next Ambassador Spotlight, Get in touch at ambassadors@formthefuture.org.uk