As part of our 21st birthday this year, we will be getting back in touch with Jack Petchey Achievement Awards alumni, who won an award at least five years ago. We want to see what they have achieved since we last spoke (and believe us, it’s a lot!) to be role models to the young people of today.

This ‘Today’s Role Models’ feature is about Ayeasha Mohamed who won her Achievement Award in 2012. She recently qualified as a teacher and now makes a positive difference to the lives of young people every day.

How old were you when you got your Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award and what were you nominated for?

I was 17 when I received my award and I was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Dance.

How did winning the award make you feel?

It felt like a huge honour to win the award! The award ceremony itself was carried out in such a formal but friendly way and it made the whole evening really special.

Ayeasha getting her Achievement Award in 2012

Tell us a bit about what you’re doing now.

I’m currently in my NQT (newly qualified) year of teaching in a Secondary School in Berkshire.

What made you want to get into teaching?

I wanted to get into teaching because I was inspired by the hard working, encouraging English teachers that I had. I flourished in a school setting and I wanted to be someone who could instil a passion for Literature and reading in other students.

What would you say to a young person aspiring to be a teacher?

To a young person aspiring to be a teacher, I would say that it’s the kind of job that requires passion. It’s not the easiest of jobs but if you’re passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives, then that will see you through it and it’s the best job in the world when you love it. Also – be strict with yourself about the time you want to finish working each day, regardless of what you have remaining on your to do list. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and self-care is too important to miss!

Ayeasha in the classroom

What’s the best advice you could give to a young person today?

The best advice I can give to a young person today is to surround yourself with people who build you up, and fill your life with positivity.

What do you think the biggest challenge young people face today is?

I think one of the biggest challenges that young people face today is social media and the insecurity and unattainable comparison that it can bring. I think it can be really difficult to remember that what someone puts on their social media is their ‘highlights’ reel, and not their behind the scenes. We don’t see everything so we can’t compare our lives to other people!

You’ve achieved a lot already, but do you have any future goals?

My future goals are to continue loving what I’m doing on my NQT year and beyond, and to keep exploring other passions of mine like fashion writing and copy-editing. I’m only 25 so who knows where life can take me in the future!

Did you win an Achievement Award in 2015 or before? Get in touch! Email efox@petchey.co.uk or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Want to read another Today’s Role Models Q&A? Take a look here.

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