Efe Ezekiel – My tips for students of East Kent Colleges Group 

One of the UK’s top youth mentors, Efe Ezekiel BEM, works with our students across East Kent Colleges Group to help them hone their skills.  

As the founder of youth mentoring company, ‘UShine IShine’, she visits College to reaffirm that all learners are capable of great things in life, no matter their course or previous educational experience. In the past, she has also helped the Group support, motivate and inspire our 13,000+ students across East Kent during the lockdown period. 

During her latest workshop, we spoke to Efe to gain some of her best advice for learners, and to hear her top tips for a successful future.  

Follow your passions 

“I always say to students in my workshops, as they’re starting their careers and their vocational studies, to start with something that they are passionate about, that they love and that will pique their interest. 

“Pick a course that you really want to do and you’ll work hard and give it all your all, surrounded by determination and joy. “ 

Find a great role model 

“Start researching and looking for role models, mentors and people that you will hold dear.  

“These could be friends, family, or someone you look up to in College.  

“They will be there to help you as you navigate the path of life, so you know exactly where you need to work on, what you need to do with yourself and where you need to go for the future.” 

Create a strong network 

“Make sure you have a network and team of people who will cheer you on and champion you. 

“They will give you really good references and keep you level-headed. The best support comes from those who encourage you to aim for whatever you want in the future.  

“If you’re not already on LinkedIn, get on there and shout about your achievements!” 

Confidence is key 

“Have confidence in yourself and really believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams just as strongly. If you don’t believe in yourself, then no-one will.  

“You need to gain confidence, be strong in your capabilities and really hone your talents and your skills.” 

Be adaptable to the world around you 

“It is so important to be adaptable and in today’s world you need to be so. You need to be able to change, transform and realise that the world is changing.  

“The world of business has changed from what it looked like ten years ago for example. A job that is here today may not be the same tomorrow so I’d keep learning.  

“Education is the key. Learn about yourself, learn about the world and learn about what you want to do. I’d make sure that when you learn, you always help somebody else as that’s the key to life.” 

Thank you to Efe for her advice and for supporting our students to help them achieve. We can’t wait for her next workshop with students and look forward to welcoming her back to East Kent soon. 

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