Case Study Three
Dionne's story in her own words
Outreach changed my life!
Hi, my name is Dionne Igalawuye. I live in Torpoint and go to Torpoint Community College. I am, in my opinion, a regular 13 year old. I do however have a story to tell.
My parents took guardianship of me when I was 7 years old and I am lucky to have their support. I have an excess of energy and love spending time with my friends. In college, I started to get a reputation as a “live wire” and became easily distracted in lessons. I had reached a crossroad in my life.
I was selected by my teachers to go onto the Outreach programme in 2010. Here I learn a lot of new skills and found a positive channel for my energy. Shortly after Outreach, I joined the Army Cadets. In just 12 months I have attended camp and participated in a national sporting event. I was appointed to be my unit's standard bearer and have been promoted to Lance Corporal.
Due to my successes in cadets and improved attitude in college, I was invited to attend Outreach once again but this time as a student mentor! It was a wonderful opportunity to help and advise students who were experiencing the challenges I did 12 months previously. I have experienced more responsibility and appreciate what a challenge that can be. I appreciate my teachers more than ever as I have a greater idea as to what they face each day in class.
In short, Outreach has given me focus, kept me out of trouble and given me a real direction in life. I have grown in confidence and have been chosen to speak in front of friends, parents, local dignitaries and even Lady Mary Holborow DCVO JP, HM The Queen’s representative in Cornwall. When I leave college I feel more prepared than I did to take on new challenges that will face me in the workplace. Everyone says my future is bright.
Thank you Outreach.