‘A better and happier version of myself’

— Ishmatu’s mentoring journey

Ishmatu and Ellie were paired as Mentor and Mentee on our April - August 2022 cohort. Together they worked on Ishmatu’s goals. In this piece, Ishmatu speaks about her growth in confidence.

My name is Ishmatu, I am a mother with a two year old son. My son has mild speech delay. Being an asylum seeker, sometimes I lost hope and my confidence was gone. I felt tired and depressed, because I never imagined how life would be so difficult for me, especially in a country where I don't know any family. I suffered from this mood for quite a long time until I was introduced to "Magpie". There at last l met a family - they are very nice people and patient as well. I enjoyed spending most of my time there with my son, because I always felt welcome. 

One day, one of the Magpie team sent an application link to the group, and that’s how I came to know about the Routes Mentoring Programme. I decided to apply.  I was very happy, because I know my dreams will come true - I can start working on my dreams. 

I joined the mentoring programme and I met my mentor, who’s name is Ellie. When I met Ellie, we introduced ourselves, and I told her I want to improve my English and writing, and work on building my self-confidence. Ellie told me that my English is good and that we can work on my confidence, by practising together at least once every week. Ellie is pregnant, but yet it makes no difference: her energy is there for me throughout. I appreciate that a lot!

Ellie asked me a lot of questions, so I can talk and build my confidence. She also shared affirmations that I can use, just to help me prepare for my day. It helps me to think and plan how my day will look like. I feel better and a bit more confident every week. Together with Ellie, we are also working on some of my goals for the future. I told Ellie I was a nurse back in my country, and I want to continue with my career in the UK as well. We explored the options for that. My mentor has been really active and encouraged me to apply for a bursary, because she knows how determined I am to start a nursing career in the UK.

I want to say thank you to Ellie for mentoring me throughout the programme, I achieved a lot! And a special thanks goes to the Routes mentoring programme, which has given me the opportunity to grow into a better and happier version of myself.

Written by Ishmatu, August 2022

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