Zahrah Aljurani, is the National 2022 Student of the Year. On the Career Ready programme, she shared how a six-week paid internship at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and the support from her mentor, Laura, gave her the skills and confidence to kickstart a rewarding future.
1. As the Student of the Year winner, how do you feel about your mentor Laura winning Mentor of the Year?
From the start of our journey together, from the first meeting, Laura and I bonded and had a very strong relationship which I really admire. We spoke about hobbies, favourite movies, and where we went on holiday. She was not a mentor, she was more like a friend, a person I could lean on and ask for help at any time. She helped me complete a lot of important things like completing my CV and making it more interesting, so it stands out more.
She also helped me prepare for interviews (university interviews and work interviews) and for presentations. At the end of my internship, she fought for me to get a dyslexia test at college which allowed me to discover, I am mildly dyslexic. Laura is whatever a mentor should be. She is dedicated and productive and most importantly, there's always a smile on her face. She 100% deserves this award.
2. What do you think it takes to be a great student, great enough to win ‘Student of the Year’?
You see I can’t really give you a correct answer, but I could tell you that a great student should be patient and willing to do a lot (attend events, online sessions, one to ones, complete surveys and more) and trust me it’s worth it, especially the feeling of winning something great and working at a known place.
Also, a great student has the attitude of wanting to learn more and understanding the other person’s perspective and most importantly is living the moment and not thinking of what will happen after or tomorrow. Just live the moment.
3. What do you enjoy the most about your Level 3 in Applied Sciences?
To be honest, the fact that this year has been the hardest, but I enjoyed it so much because of the experience, the friends I've made and going on trips.
4. What’s the best piece of advice you could offer to students who want to join the L3 Applied Sciences course?
As much as you give in you take back. Work as hard as you can but still have fun.
5. What are the top 3 things you learned during your internship at Guys Hospital that has changed your life?
- How to treat people with extra care
- I learned new skills – patience, multitasking, strong communication
- Had the full experience of the world of work.
6. How has Lambeth College (South Bank Colleges) helped you grow your career?
Lambeth has helped me by providing me with this amazing project (career ready) and the teachers that have helped me through my journey, all deserve a big thanks.
7. If there’s anything you could say to your mentor, Laura Flynn, what would it be?
Thank you for making my career-ready experience twice the better. I could not have done it without you, thank you so much!
