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I was first recommended KES by a teacher at my old school who noticed I was progressing academically much faster than most students. With the encouragement of my parents, I decided to take a shot and apply to join KES on a bursary. The day the letter with the decision arrived, my mum, too excited to wait, opened it before I returned home from school. She lovingly resealed the envelope to allow me to experience the joy of finding out that I’d been accepted for myself. I had been incredibly nervous the days leading up to that moment, but I had never felt as relieved and proud as when I read what was on that letter. That same day we called my grandparents in Romania to tell them the news, and we all celebrated the fabulous opportunity I had been offered.
I joined KES in Year 9, and although starting at a new school felt daunting at first, especially during a global pandemic, I quickly adapted to the unfavourable circumstances with the help of my new friends and the support of the teaching staff. I have now finished my A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Physics which mark the end of my time here. After a successful set of GCSE results and a determined two years in Sixth Form, I hope the final exam results will reflect my hard work throughout what has been the most transformative period of my life. Next year I plan on studying Chemical Engineering at University, and further on explore the variety of career opportunities which come along with this degree. I would like to work in a position where I can implement elements of my creativity and get hands-on work on projects, as I have always enjoyed the practical side of subjects in school, especially in DT and Chemistry. I would love for my career to allow me to travel to new places and explore the uniqueness of different parts of this world.
Aside from my academic progress during these 5 years I have had the opportunity to attend many enjoyable and informative trips and was a member of numerous different clubs – most notably, the Greenpower Club. This club tasked us to use our theoretical knowledge of engineering principles and apply them practically to build a working electric car. My friend and I were responsible for completing most of the electrical circuits necessary for the car to be powered correctly and we had the chance to watch it being raced at Goodwood Race Circuit, even working on it during pit stops. This experience really sparked my interest in engineering.
Another highlight of my time at KES came from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. From the informal group meetings ahead of the expedition, sleeping on bean bags and playing games at Lovaton due to extremely bad weather, to cooking some of the most outrageous pasta dishes. All bring back fond memories.
I couldn’t possibly put into words how grateful I am to be the recipient of a KES bursary. Receiving the award motivated me, over and over again, to prove that I deserved it. I took part in academic competitions and went above and beyond whenever I was given a task in school. It has granted me access to all the wonderful facilities which the school has to offer and has, most importantly, taught me valuable life lessons and helped me make lifelong friends.
KES has been at the very foundation of who I am today. Surrounding myself with like-minded people and having the guidance of the highly professional staff isn’t an opportunity I think I would have had, having not received the bursary. KES has provided me with the right environment to capture my curiosity and interests. This is something I hope the King Edward VI Foundation will continue to do for future students, and I am so appreciative of how much it was able to help me and my family. Your generosity and kindness honestly couldn’t be repaid, but I will try my best, in turn, to help others in the same way you have helped me.
