How Aspirational Mentoring helped one young person build confidence, develop new skills and discover opportunities that have continued to grow with her.
When Daisy Warrell was studying at Xaverian Sixth Form College, she signed up to take part in BW3’s Aspirational Mentoring programme. What began as a decision to simply “say yes” to an opportunity has developed into a mentoring relationship that has supported Daisy through sixth form, university and beyond.
Daisy was matched with Adam Jupp, Communications Director at MAG (Manchester Airports Group) and Chair of BW3. They began meeting once a month at college, with their conversations covering everything from academic challenges and time management to future careers, work experience and wider life goals.
Now studying Environmental Science at university in London, Daisy reflects on how much the experience has helped her grow and the opportunities that have continued to develop from that original connection.
Finding confidence through conversation
Daisy describes joining the mentoring programme almost by chance.
“I try to say yes to as many opportunities as I can, so I signed up and went along.”
Following an informal first meeting, Daisy and Adam began meeting regularly. Although some of the conversations initially felt like they were about small or everyday issues, Daisy soon realised how valuable it was to have someone outside her immediate circle to talk to.
“These conversations often lead to some of our most engaging discussions. They left me with a better understanding of my own thoughts and, importantly, a feeling of satisfaction that even though I struggle to make it to class on time, it didn’t mean I didn’t care about my studies or my future.”
Their conversations helped Daisy to look at some of the challenges she was experiencing from a different perspective, rather than seeing them as evidence that she wasn’t capable or committed.
One of the biggest areas they explored was time management, which had begun to affect her studies and ability to complete assignments.
Daisy also came to understand that her difficulty getting started on assignments wasn’t because she was disinterested. Instead, she recognised that she sometimes worried so much about producing the best possible piece of work that she delayed starting altogether.
Adam drew on his own experience in journalism and encouraged Daisy to get her thoughts down on paper – including plans, ideas and key points – rather than waiting for the “right time” to start.
For Daisy, this simple approach made a significant difference.
“As someone with dyslexia who often has a million ideas flying around my head at once; putting those ideas onto paper gave me somewhere to start.”
She describes their mentoring conversations as becoming a form of “Academic Therapy” – a safe space where she could say her thoughts out loud and begin to make sense of them.
From mentoring to work experience
The relationship also opened the door to opportunities beyond the mentoring sessions.
Adam invited Daisy to gain work experience at Manchester Airport. At 17, entering a professional workplace for the first time was both exciting and daunting.
“I was scared to use the staff kitchen and strangely excited to have a key card for the big door.”
Looking back, Daisy says these small moments showed just how unfamiliar the working world had felt to her at the time.
Her work experience gave her an opportunity to see behind the scenes at Manchester Airport, including a tour of the airfield, work with the media department and the chance to sit in on a BBC interview while the new AeroZone education centre was being visited.
It was an experience she may otherwise have had very little access to.
Returning two years later
Two years on, Daisy returned to Manchester Airport – but this time as a university student with very different interests and experiences.
Now studying Environmental Science at university in London, she was able to undertake further work experience that connected directly with her degree.
During her latest visit, Daisy spent time with the BBC following an interview with a TUI pilot, including the opportunity to sit in the cockpit. She also witnessed the briefing for an interview with the Managing Director of Manchester Airport and worked on summarising a sustainability scheme developed by the airport.
The sustainability work was particularly meaningful because it connected directly to what Daisy is studying at university.
“It showed me that the opportunities created through the mentoring scheme weren’t limited to helping me decide what I wanted to do when I was 17; they have continued to develop as I have grown and changed.”
Why Daisy recommends mentoring
For Daisy, one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was having dedicated time to talk through her academic and personal concerns with someone outside her immediate circle.
“Having dedicated time to talk through my racing thoughts is incredibly valuable for a young person; most of the time, I found that my problems became much simpler once I had actually said them out loud.”
She believes that having someone listen, ask questions and offer a different perspective can make a real difference – particularly when young people are facing decisions that can feel overwhelming at the time.
Daisy also encourages other young people to take part in mentoring, even if they aren’t sure what they would talk about.
“You don’t need to have a perfectly planned career or a list of questions before you start. Sometimes, simply having a conversation can help you understand what you actually want.”
A message to businesses
Daisy is equally enthusiastic about encouraging businesses to get involved in mentoring.
She believes that while the benefits to young people are clear, businesses also gain from the experience.
“Businesses have the opportunity to introduce young people to industries and careers they otherwise may never encounter, while gaining a better understanding of the concerns, ambitions and the new perspectives of the next generation.”
Her experience demonstrates exactly what can happen when a business volunteer takes the time to build a relationship with a young person – from developing confidence and study skills, to providing workplace experience and opening the door to opportunities that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
Saying yes to opportunity
Daisy is now at university and continues to benefit from the relationship and opportunities created through her mentoring experience with Manchester Airport.
Reflecting on her journey, she says:
“For me, the mentoring scheme has provided far more than just career advice. It has helped me become more confident in my abilities, understand how I work best, and feel more comfortable talking about my future; most importantly, it has shown me that opportunities don’t always need to have an obvious purpose when you first say yes to them.”
Daisy’s story is a powerful example of the difference that a trusted mentor can make – not just at one particular point in a young person’s life, but as they continue to grow, develop and discover their future. Read Daisy’s full case study here.
Become a BW3 Mentor
BW3’s Aspirational Mentoring programme connects young people with volunteers from local businesses, giving them the opportunity to build confidence, explore future pathways, develop skills and gain insight into the world of work.
Mentors don’t need to have all the answers. They simply need to be willing to listen, share their experience, offer encouragement and give a young person their time.
Could you inspire a young person like Daisy?
If you or your business would like to find out more about becoming a BW3 mentor, we’d love to hear from you.