Alumni Features

Radhika Parmar

“I.T. has not always been a career I wanted to go into. I found a passion for it in Sixth Form, when I was trying out new subjects to take for A-Levels. Computer Science was something that sounded intriguing but I didn’t know what it was. When I went along to the Computing taster session, I found I enjoyed the glimpse I got of it and wanted to pursue it.

“At the leavers barbeque I found out I was successful at gaining a place on the Capgemini apprenticeship I had applied to and that I was moving to Manchester a month after. I now still live in Manchester and still work for Capgemini. I am training to become a Computer Analyst as an apprentice, which is a 5 year commitment as I complete a degree in Computer Science too. I enjoy my job, and can only thank Kingsbury High School for introducing Capgemini to me.

“If I could give young people advice for their future I would tell them to accept all new opportunities with an open hand, even if you are not too keen to begin with.”

_________________

Tina Housego

“I went to Kingsbury High School and now I am about to retire!!”

“Not what you expect to see here and why would any of you be interested in someone who is fast approaching 60? I expect many of your own grandparents are a similar age. However, since leaving Kingsbury High School in 1975 I have experienced a varied working life.

“I left Kingsbury High with 2 ‘A’ levels and 8 ‘O’ levels and with very little careers advice I went to Teacher Training College to do a B.Ed. After about 18 months I dropped out of college and went to work at British Airways as a Clerk. A couple of years later I got a job as a Laboratory Technician at a Technical College. Then in 1984 I joined the Metropolitan Police. After 13 years service I left and got a job in a Hearing Health Care service shortly followed by becoming a Road Safety Professional, working for 17 years in both private and public sector.

“A life of changes, yes, but every role I have had has added to life’s experience. It is true that I witnessed many awful things in the Police that most people would not get to know exists but even those times have help me become the person I am. You may not get to experience such varied employment as I have done but whatever you do take from it the fact that life is what you make it.

“Try and enjoy every event in your life as much as possible. Do not regret anything you do. If you do something you’d rather not have done or experienced make sure you are in control in the future so it does not happen again. Try not to dwell on the negatives in life.

“My view on life is that people become unhappy with their lot because they want ‘things’ they cannot have rather than being contented with what they do have. This does not mean you should not have goals and try to achieve the best you can. Just do not let it rule your life. Take enjoyment and contentment from what you have, not what someone else may have.

“Go out and enjoy your futures and most of all have fun.”

_________________

Anika Mehangra

“When I was younger, I was interested in so many things and I couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to be when I grew up. When it came to choosing my GCSE’s and A-Levels, I was told that they will affect how my life will pan out. I was very confused as to what to choose that I ended up simply going for the subjects I enjoyed. My A level choices were very unusual, Art, Computing and Biology. I worked hard during my time at Kingsbury High with the help of my teachers. Some of them even helped us on weekends and after school.

“My computing teacher for AS, Ms Sanghani, pushed me to get involved in a range of Computing activities such as working with NAO robots from Warwick University and participating in an App competition. The class and I ended up participating in the competition and won! The prize for our category was a chance to visit one of the Capgemini offices for a day and find out more information about what it is that they do.

“At the Capgemini offices in Holborn, we were told about their apprenticeship and degree programme and how it could benefit us if we choose to apply. I was so interested that I went home and applied that same day. I went through the tough process and successfully got a place in the apprenticeship programme.

“The apprenticeship is very structured. I began with training in Telford for 12 weeks, getting hands on training with some of the things that we would need for the job. After the in-depth training course, I began my daily job. The coursework for the apprenticeship will be marked by an assessor who, at the end of the two year program, will award me with National Level 3 Diplomas in subjects I complete coursework in. I can then choose to join the degree programme and get a chance to study for a computing or business degree that is funded by Capgemini.

“Since starting in September 2014, I have had the chance to speak to schools about the apprenticeship program I am on; I have been interviewed for local newspapers and with CEO’s of other major companies about how I came across this program and why I chose this over going to university. I enjoy inspiring young people, especially those who can’t see themselves going to university.

“It has been a very pleasant experience so far and my family was very supportive of my decision. They were shocked when they realised what stage I could be at, after these 5 years at Capgemini, in comparison to someone having gone to university and acquired a degree in a similar subject. It has been almost two years since I joined Capgemini and in September 2016 I will be embarking on their degree programme with Aston University.
“Without the push I got in Kingsbury High School, I would never have known about the range of things I can do with an education in Computing. Without this push, I would have ended up pursuing a career in Dentistry (which wasn’t for me). Without this push, I wouldn’t have even thought about the idea of doing an apprenticeship.

“An apprenticeship allows a person to gain further education as well as getting experience to aid in their development and getting paid doing it. My younger sister was so inspired after seeing the success I’ve had and ended up going down the apprenticeship route herself. Without this apprenticeship my life wouldn’t be the same. I get to wake up every day excited to go to work and I love it.”

_________________

Mohammed Jawad

Mohammed left Kingsbury High School in 2003 as Head Boy. After his initial application to medical school was rejected, he took a year out where he worked in a hospital lab processing pathology samples and then subsequently as a phlebotomist taking blood. This allowed Mohammed to re-apply to university and he gained a place at Keele University, for which he graduated in 2009.

“My medical career started further north in Blackburn and Burnley and I also spent some time in Rotherham, Preston, LLandudno (Wales), Blackpool, Chesterfield, Skipton and Leeds as well as some hospitals closer to home in London.

“Ironically now, after my phlebotomy days, I am an Anaesthetist. Having finished my Basic training, I am embarking on the next stage in my career, which is why I entered medicine and specifically anaesthetics.”

In February 2015 Mohammed went to Uganda to volunteer as an anaesthetist to treat mothers who were in labour and critically unwell. Following this he went to Tanzania, where he helped set up a new hospital to help the local community.

Mohammed is currently training to be a consultant anaesthetist across a number of hospitals across North London and expects to complete his training by 2020.

“I still have vivid memories of sitting in T hall, textile lessons and lighting a Bunsen burner for the first time. Many teachers had a big influence on me, and it’s only now, that I can fully appreciate what they did and how hard they worked to make me who I am now”

_________________

Denzel  Manyande

Denzel was a student at Kingsbury High School from 2004 – 2011. He is a Geography graduate & scholar from the Royal Geographical Society. Denzel currently works for the London Youth Games Foundation and has a passion for volunteering.

“The later years of my time at Kingsbury High School really opened up a world of opportunities to me. At the age of 16 I was involved in as much as possible at the school. I played in the orchestra; I was heavily into sports and coaching; and also, most importantly, took part in volunteering in the school community and around London. Volunteering had always been for fun and I never considered that what I did for fun then, would lead me to where I am now.

“Year 12 and 13 were a time to explore my choices and I knew I definitely wanted to go to University, but not straight away. I was studying Law, Economics and Geography at the time and Geography was where it was for me. A lot of support from my teachers led me to look into the number of opportunities to go on to further education, but also to take a break. I came across a scholarship programme from the Royal Geographical Society for which I applied with help from Kingsbury High. It was an intimidating process but I got through it all and my application was successful.

“The scholarship meant that I was able to take a gap year after finishing Sixth Form. It was aimed at being an educational experience so I wanted to explore the Geography of the Americas, the landscapes, the people and the languages. And so I set off on my adventure travelling to the Americas- South, Central and North on a scholarship from the Royal Geographical Society.

“Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Colombia were remarkable places to visit. I set out alone with probably no real idea what I was getting myself into, but I think that is what led to me having such a great experience. My scholarship was based on my interest of ‘getting off the beaten track’ and into less touristy places. I was never going to find it easy on a Spanish speaking continent, but that challenge benefited me in more ways than I could have imagined. I left South America after 6 months, speaking great Spanish.

“The whole time I was away I managed to write and photograph for a number of organisations and document the diverse number of experiences I encountered. I went to Spanish school in Quito for 2 weeks, moved to a remote village in the Andes for 3 weeks, I lived out of a tent in Patagonia for a month and learnt the tango on an Argentinian rooftop.

“I learnt a great deal while I was away, but I think the most important lesson came to me when I visited Colombia, a brilliant country with the people who make it, in my opinion, a special place. There was (and probably still is) a preconceived concept on what Colombia would be like and frankly, it wasn’t recommended I visit, but I did anyway.

“I eventually left Latin America but not without passing through Central America to see some of its ecosystems – amongst the most productive in the world. While the visit here was short, it was deeply educational and introduced me to a new area of Geography- Ecology, which I went on to specialise in at University.

“The last stage of my trip was a few months in North America and I first landed in Colorado and went on a geology expedition through Utah and Colorado. At the same time, I learnt to climb. I ended working my way to Chicago then to Texas where I travelled East by road all the way to Boston. This part of my trip was all about seeing the demographics and the cultures in the US.

“The consistent amount of volunteering I did while at school (JSLA, CSLA and general volunteering) all led to a number of opportunities. Something as simple as offering to take photographs for our yearbook in Year 11 introduced me to photography. By late 2010 I was still committed to volunteering and was photographing sports events. The commitment I had to volunteering in photography meant I was gaining recognition for some of my work, I ended up photographing for pieces published by the BBC, London 2012 and also some private projects. It all started with volunteering.

“After leaving school with all of that experience, I was taking photographs good enough for commissioned work and it eventually funded a lot of the travel I did after my gap year.

“Funnily enough, it all comes full circle because I now work for London Youth Games, one of the organisations I once volunteered for. Maybe there’s some irony in the fact that my job title is Volunteer Coordinator?

“My advice to anyone would be to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. As long as it vaguely interests you, you won’t regret it. The rewards are in the risks.”

_________________

Amritpal Kaur Nangla

Amritpal Kaur Nangla attended Kingsbury High School from 2002 – 2007. Amritpal was born profoundly deaf and raised in bilateral mainstream world. She can sign BSL (British Sign Language) and can speak English.

“During my early years at Kingsbury High, I faced difficult situations where people saw me differently due to my deafness. I didn’t care at the time because I had my family and very trusted friends around me. My parents taught me to be strong and keep going; I wasn’t made to feel ashamed of who I am. Occasionally I felt left out because most hearing students never made effort to communicate with me. Kingsbury High taught me huge strength and patience to deal with these situations which has helped me majorly in later life. I have so many amazing memories of school: teaching BSL to Kingsbury students, playing cricket with my classmates, art classes and many more. My Kingsbury years were definitely a huge rollercoaster, but I have no regrets!”

After studying Law, Media Studies, 3D & Fine Art and Computer Science at Harrow College, Amritpal chose to study 3D Animation. “I went to the University of Arts London to study a Foundation degree in Animation then progressed to BA Hons Digital Animation in the University of Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, during my second year, I felt I was faced with severe disability discrimination so I made the very tough decision to leave and took a gap year. During that year, I set up my own three businesses with a group of trusted friends, which was fun. But I continued feeling lost and suddenly, I came across a film scholarship competition to study in one of the top and famous film schools in the world. I thought ‘why not’ and went for it. I made a short animation. I won. And here I am in Vancouver Film School (VFS) in Canada, the one of the top 5 best film schools in the world, studying 3D Animation and VFX. My journey from Kingsbury High to VFS was unforgettable, amazing! Our school, Kingsbury High, gave me huge passion to study, giving me opportunities to pursue my passions further. It taught me who I am, allowing me to grow into who I am now.

“My advice for the current Kingsbury High students is Hakuna Matata! Do not worry about a thing! Just trust your instincts, follow your dreams. And most importantly, DO NOT GIVE UP! Don’t pay attention to these people who distract you from your dreams, pulling you away from your goals. Keep focused! Believe in yourself. Fill yourself full of gratitude for life. Surround yourself with good people who make you feel appreciated. Embrace who you are. I wish you all the best!”

_________________

Ahsan Wahedi

“I came to Kingsbury High School hoping to undertake A-levels. I found the Sixth Form to be the ideal place for my studies due to interaction with likeminded students and some fantastic teachers. In Year 12, the head teacher asked me what would be my next step after Sixth Form. I told him that I would like to do Civil Engineering at UCL and so it happened.

“Although, the tripling of the tuition fees in 2012 almost deterred me from attending university, I obtained a scholarship and part time job. Being the first generation in my family to attend university made it a challenging experience but also rewarding.

“In university, I met students from all over the world and interacted with leading researchers. There is just so much to learn and experience. I was able to take up opportunities such as volunteering, mentoring, working as an outreach ambassador and representing the Engineering Faculty.

“Civil Engineering is so broad, it allowed me to utilize the subjects I was taught in school such as maths, science and geography. In my second year I was fortunate to get an internship with my dream company, Arup, which is a leading international engineering designer. I worked on major projects such as Canary Wharf buildings, an underground tunnel of national significance and luxury residential spaces. I plan to do my masters, thanks to another scholarship from UCL and then join Arup again. I aspire to become a leader in the engineering industry God-willing.

“My advice to students is that hard work pays off at the end. I would like to share a famous quote from one of my role models, ‘Happy is the one who avoids hardships, but how fine is the one who is afflicted and shows endurance’. It may be that our aspirations are challenging but through patience we achieve them.”

_________________

Tony Walton

Tony Walton left Kingsbury High School when it was known as Tylers Croft in 1954 after which he went to Hendon Tech College (now Middlesex University) for 3 years.

Tony has been involved with the Air Training Corps since 1956. He first joined the Hendon Squadron and is now a member of the Wembley Squdaron.

As Armed Forces Day (AFD) approaches, Tony says “I was not in the Services but was commissioned in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Training Branch for 25 years. Of course anyone who has been involved with the Services in some way will appreciate the significance of this special day, and other associated events.”

Tony passes over to his colleague, Shaun Campbell, Former Sergeant at Wembley Squdaron who says “I spent 30 years in the RAF from 1983-2013 and have helped with Air Cadets since 1999. I am heavily involved in AFD and intend to take part in Woolwichs AFD on Saturday

“With regards to why we should celebrate AFD: Up until around 2003 there was no recognition of the Armed Forces with exception of Remembrance Day. AFD recognises the many sacrifices Armed Forces personnel and their families make in serving their country.

“It gives the military and its youth organisations a chance to appear in all towns and cities and be recognised by the general public.”

Tony visited Kingsbury High School last year to watch our school production, Lest We Forget, which commemorated the one hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War. The school helped him raise money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Tony will start collecting for this year’s appeal in the coming months.

_________________

Mike Lenander

Mike Lenander left Kingsbury High in 2000 and is now a Managing Quantity Surveyor for Thames Water.

Mike recently volunteered to support a motivational workshop at Kingsbury High. He said “I really enjoyed the session I attended. I was taken aback at how much the students took in from what was said in a short space of time. I think they were surprised about the range of options for them after GCSEs including apprenticeships and jobs that come with further education funding via day release. I felt some of the students were also open to the reality that doing work experience, even for free, is a great investment for their future careers as it gives them that extra something over another applicant.”

Thinking about his time at Kingsbury High, Mike said “Good memories of the school that stick out are how supportive and patient the staff all were. I might not have thought it at the time but, looking back I can see how they were looking out for my best interests. The school trips I went on were all amazing too – I still remember the activities we did.

“Since leaving Kingsbury High, I spent a few months on the Sainsbury’s Management Programme – found out that retail wasn’t the industry for me and left to work as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at a construction firm. Not only was I paid for the work I was doing but, I was provided with funding to get qualifications via day-release to college. When I joined Thames 10 years ago, I was just about to start my degree, which Thames Water supported me through. It took 5 years to complete – so a bit longer than studying full-time but was able to use the knowledge and expertise of my colleagues around me.”

_________________

Zohra Shahana Khan

“When I started nursery at the age of 3, my teachers called in my mother in an attempt to discuss my potential hearing loss as I struggled to listen to instructions, was labelled a ‘distracted, disruptive child’ and I was diagnosed with moderate to severe senso-neurinal hearing loss.

“Wearing hearing aids at such a young age at a mainstream school instantly meant I had to work harder to catch up with my peers.

“I really enjoyed reading and writing and wanted to get into journalism. Starting from a young age, I decided to set up a newsletter in Year 6 and from there interned at several magazines, participating in the Young Journalists’ Academy and setting up a blog. Throughout attending Kingsbury High School, I interned during my holidays and was always attending events or writing in my spare time. I had really supportive English teachers who inspired me with their love of literature, reading and writing.

I was set on attending York University to study English Literature but did not receive the grades I needed in my first year of A levels so this meant I was unable to apply. However, after a year of blood, sweat and tears, I turned my grades around, even beating my target grade for English and won a place at York through the adjustment procedure. I left Kingsbury High School in 2012 and looking back, I am grateful for the support I received from the Sensory Department and teachers as well as the lessons it taught me.

“My first year at University was a whirlwind of adventure, fun and settling in but struggling with a disability meant support was a different ball game. I felt I had to constantly make my voice heard and realised how much harder it is for disabled students to get the necessary support they need if they hadn’t had the support from the beginning. When things began to get difficult in both my personal and academic life, I decide to take a break from my studies.

“During my year out, I decided to dabble in a few things, from setting up my own blog Whims of a Wordcrafter, freelancing for magazines, working in a school and interning at Elle. I had some amazing experiences – attending London Fashion Week, the Hermes Ball, the Women of the World Festival and to going to art exhibitions. I also worked as a welfare coordinator and an event organiser for Bloggers Love, creating events for the blogging community. This was a brilliant opportunity at the Penthouse in Leciester Square where I also got to organise and set up a promotional photoshoot!

“I’ve had lots of amazing opportunities which you can read about on my blog, but one thing I have learnt, is to have a positive outlook towards life no matter how bad it gets. I decided to resume my studies and whilst at University studying for my degree, I still work part time. I am now the Disabled Students’ Officer at my Student Union where I represent the students attending the University of York.

“My number one advice to students at Kingsbury High School would be do whatever you want to do, don’t listen to anyone who says you cannot and foster the creative spirit you have!”

_________________

Melissa Calleja

“When I left school, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do. Uni didn’t really appeal to me and I wanted to do something more hands on. I applied for lots of apprenticeships and internships in lots of different areas but I had little response. In August I got my A-Level results (A*AB) and I wondered if I had made the right decision. Still, I thought I’d stick with it for the time being and see what happened over the next year.

“In August, I came across Pret A Manger’s School Leaver’s Programme. It was in its first year so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I applied to see what it was all about. After two interviews, I gained a place on the programme.

“I was put into a lovely shop near Chancery Lane and I was so supported by my colleagues and my manager, that my confidence grew and I enjoyed being part of that team very much, it was really an invaluable experience in working with, learning from and talking to new people.

“At the beginning of 2014, the manager of the programme emailed us all about some job vacancies in Head Office. I applied for a job in Supply Chain and to be honest, I didn’t really expect anything would come of it because of my lack of experience. To my surprise though, they asked me to come in for an interview with the Supply Chain Co-ordinator and the People Business Partner. I was sure I hadn’t got the job but, I couldn’t have done as badly as I thought because they arranged a second interview with the International Head of Supply Chain & Logistics.

“Shortly after that, I was offered the position. Over the six months, my role was Supply Chain Co-ordinator for both food and non-food, which included setting up new product lines, visiting depots, co-ordinating our product launches, assisting the buyers, helping shops and much more! In September, when my secondment was over, my boss asked to extend it until January 2014, so she could send me on courses to build my confidence.

“Other businesses (US, China, France) also require help on a regular basis and assisting them gives my job so much variety. I am immensely proud of myself and what I have achieved. I am very happy here.”

In 2014, Melissa won the School or College Leaver of the Year award at the Top Employers for School & College Leavers Awards 2014-15. The judges admired her performance on her programme, noting how she had overcome shyness to excel, and her outstanding attendance to customer service.

Melissa has now left Pret A Manger and is travelling to South America to carry out voluntary work with her church group.

_________________

Allan Bantick

Former student, Allan Bantick, has been appointed OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to conservation in Scotland. Allan attended Kingsbury High School (then named Kingsbury County Grammar school (KCGS) from 1953 to 1957.

Allan recalls his time at Kingsbury and said “I was a pupil at KCGS, as it was then known. It was a very long time ago so the high points are all that remain and none of them had much to do with formal education. I starred as Tony Lumpkin in the play She Stoops to Conquer which really stands out in my mind. I spent as much time as I could in the music department and just loved singing and playing; we had a brilliant music teacher, David Renouf, who inspired us all, got us singing live on radio and for whom we all had the greatest respect. Sport was another thing and in football I was the school goalkeeper for 2 seasons. My performance at KCGS was unspectacular as I gained only 3 GCEs at O Level (English Language, French and Music) and I did not really wake up to what was possible from life until my late twenties.”

After leaving KCGS, Allan joined the RAF teaching aircrew survival and outdoor pursuits and serving in the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

On leaving the RAF in 1983 Allan built a recording studio which he operated during the day while at night would sing and play in the hotels to tourists on the bus tours.

“Throughout this period I continued to spend a great deal of time in the outdoors, becoming ever more interested in Scotland’s wildlife.”

Allan’s first direct engagement with the local wildlife came in 1995 through badgers, primarily in connection with Strathspey Badger Hide, but also through Scottish Badgers which is the national protection body for these animals. This led to further work with other environmentalists on species such as otters, crested tits, goldeneye, red squirrels and ospreys.

Allan was appointed Chairman of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Council and served the maximum permitted term of 6 years, vacating the Chair in September 2014. This position involved working with royalty, government officials and Ministers at both Scottish and UK levels as well as managing the governance of the Trust, sitting on the Scottish Biodiversity Committee and serving on the Council of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Allan said “The award of the OBE is a great honour for me and my family. The award is intended to reflect my part in the achievements of the several organisations with which it has been my privilege to work over the last two decades. In particular I salute the Scottish Wildlife Trust who due to the dedication, professionalism, passion and loyalty of its staff, trustees and members has secured its place as the most effective wildlife conservation body in Scotland.

“For my own part, I could not have begun to deal with the challenges of recent years without the unstinting support of my wife, Heather. From the very first she believed in me, encouraged my participation at ever more senior levels and provided a solid home base for me to return to after each episode. Heather deserves to be recognised in her own right.

“As to the future, I shall use this award in every way I can to continue to work for the benefit of Scotland’s amazing wildlife.”

_________________

Bharat Pankhania

Since leaving Kingsbury High School in 2007, Bharat has become an Alumnus at Central St Martins (FDA Art & Architecture); The Oxford School of Architecture (BA (Hons) Architecture RIBA part 1); and the Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design (Post Graduate Prof. Dip Architecture part 2).

Bharat has worked at several noteworthy design institutions as well as managing his own company offering services for the domestic market.

Bharat has recently been in touch with Kingsbury High School to volunteer his professional Architecture services to the school. He says “Architecture is a little like Marmite – either you love it or hate it. To be honest it is something I still have not decided, but without doubt, studying the built environment makes you realise the sheer impact the environment around you has on everyday life.

“It is very important for me to give back to Kingsbury High School. I simply would not be in the position I am in today without the education and guidance that I have received from staff at the school. They have been truly inspirational. I encourage my peers to do the same and give back to the school in some way.”

_________________

Lorisa Nuzi 

After completing her A levels at Kingsbury High, Lorisa took a year out as she just missed out on the required grades for her firm choice. Lorisa recalls “My ‘gap year’ turned out to be my most unforgettable year. I got a job at a jewellery store in Mayfair where I got to serve many celebrities; serving Bruce Willis definitely topped meeting Vanessa Hudgens! I thoroughly enjoyed my time working at the Jewellery store; I met extremely talented artists and made friends for life.”

Whilst working, Lorisa retook some exams and reapplied through UCAS to study at University.

“The whole Sixth Form team at the Kingsbury High School were very supportive to help me reapply through UCAS. Last August I was successfully accepted into Royal Holloway University of London to study my dream course, Psychology.

This summer I look forward going to Cambodia with my University RAG charity society to help underprivileged children. Throughout the holidays I have continued working at the jewellery store. The knowledge gained from Kingsbury High School as well as the skills developed throughout my gap year has provided me with a wealth of confidence
that has helped me thoroughly enjoy my first year at university.”

_________________

Shivi Hotwani

Since leaving Kingsbury High School, Shivi went on to study at Goldsmiths, University of London, to complete a degree in Advertising and Communications. Shivi now works as an Events Manager at the same university.

Shivi was always interested in the Arts at Kingsbury High, and continues to act and perform on stage as a hobby. In 2012 he performed as a principal character in a play
written by Meera Syal, at the National Theatre.

Shivi volunteers for Wishful Smiles, a charity founded by a Tia Jounija who is also a former Kingsbury High School student.

Shivi ran his own t-shirt printing business for a year; and continues to print t-shirts for occasional orders that still come in.

Shivi said “My degree at Goldsmiths was extremely varied and covered such a range of subjects, and consequently, I came out with an array of skills, which has helped me continue to take part in many extracurricular activities which have benefited me in so many ways.

“It is so important to not get too caught up in work, that there’s no or very little time for fun, and doing what you enjoy. I have always found that the busier I am, the more I tend to enjoy life, and that is something I learnt about myself in high school!”

_________________

Chandni Jounija (Tia)

Tia completed her studies at Kingsbury High school in 2008. She went on to pursue medicine at university and started up a charity called Wishful Smiles.

Wishful Smiles aim to work with the world’s most disadvantaged and underprivileged communities to combat poverty, famine, social injustice and illiteracy by providing financial and material aid, education, clean drinking water and healthcare.

Wishful Smiles have recently setup a new campaign called Teacharity (Teach Charity).
Teacharity is an initiative to get more people actively involved in charity work
through workshops targeted at educational establishments.

Tia has worked alongside MPs, mayors, celebrities and professionals to ensure a successful journey with Wishful Smiles. She said “I believe my team is the main asset to Wishful Smiles. They consist of a number of different people, who are highly skilled, professional and extremely passionate.”

At 24, Tia has managed to set up a charity, build a team, launch campaigns and secure backing from some amazing sponsors. It has been just a year since the launch of Wishful
Smiles and the charity has already been nominated to receive an award at the House
of Commons.

Tia believes career and ambition go hand in hand. She hopes to build hospitals around the globe in the most deprived and underprivileged areas owing to her profession and her passion for philanthropy.

_________________

Trusha Raval

After leaving Kingsbury High in 2011, Trusha was selected for the Young Graduates for Museums and Galleries internship programme, where she was published for the first time in their own publication. She continued to write and self-produce short films while studying Film and Television Production at London Metropolitan University. She is currently in the pre-production stages for her final film. Trusha is also in the process of writing a novel and various short-film scripts.

Trusha hopes to deliver an assembly to our Sixth Form students in the near future.