Berenise - Elevate Mentee

Berenise, a 17-year-old student studying Maths, Physics and Chemistry, joined the Elevate mentoring programme at a time when she was still exploring her options for the future.

What began as a search for career guidance transformed into a profound journey of personal growth, helping her develop from someone who downplayed her achievements to a confident advocate for herself.

“I'm much more comfortable talking about myself now. In the beginning, my mentor told me I downplayed myself when discussing my achievements but now I'm much more self-assured. In an interview now, I won't just say 'I did this' - I'll be passionate and articulate about the things that I've accomplished.”

Berenise, Elevate Mentee

Outcomes

Berenise was paired with a mentor from the Bank of England who had previously studied Chemical Engineering—one of the paths Berenise was considering. Their sessions quickly became a comfortable and engaging space. They connected over shared interests such as theatre and cooking, which helped build trust and relatability.

“She was really easy to talk to... I saw her as a friend, but still in a professional setting,” Berenice explained. “She was really encouraging, and I was comfortable talking to her—it wasn’t scary or overwhelming like I expected it might be.”

Their conversations helped Berenise understand that university choices don't rigidly define future careers and that enjoying your course should be just as important as the institution you attend.

Lasting Legacy

A key breakthrough was in developing interview skills. Prior to Elevate, Berenise found it difficult to talk about her accomplishments. With her mentor’s guidance, she learned to approach interviews as conversations rather than interrogations.

Elevate left Berenise with a more grounded, empowered mindset about her future. Rather than feeling constrained by her current subject choices or pressured to have everything mapped out she now appreciates how education builds her as a whole person.

The programme helped her recognise that her future will be shaped not merely by academic credentials, but by the confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills she cultivates along the way.