Jessy Banzoulou

Jessy Banzoulou (M 25) came to Wellington from Waterside Academy (formerly Hackney New School) in East London and is currently studying Geography at Loughborough University.

I chose to apply for the PAF scholarship because I was an ambitious kid who wanted to shoot my shot at experiencing independent education via a scholarship. The chances of this happening are slim, but I am a man who believes in miracles.

I enjoyed all that Wellington had to offer: food, friends, societies, class, trips, the list goes on and on. I can truly say I threw myself fully into Wellington life, the environment and the people.

I am also grateful I took part in many activities: choir, DofE Gold, basketball, hockey, Field Gun, Sustainability programmes – all of this to say I became a well-rounded individual eager to break out of my comfort zone.

Coming to Wellington was transformative for me as this is the place I discovered so many new passions: singing, sustainability, nature, trying new sport and notably fitness, in which I lost 30kg in 10 months by getting stuck in at the gym and into sport.

I recently got into the BUCS touch rugby team at Loughborough University, known for its sporting excellence. I also became a climate rep at university, which has supported my work as a Youth Board Member at SEEd, a sustainability and environmental education charity, which I got involved with due to my work in sustainability at Wellington.

When at College, I loved all the societies on offer – I was part of Open Door, the Christian Society, where I met life-long friends and amazing teachers like Mr Allcock and Mr Owen.

I would definitely recommend the PAF scholarship. Why? You get to experience a whole new world at Wellington that will challenge your comfort zone, grow your mind and confidence and meet amazing and thoughtful people, go for it!

My hopes and dreams for the future are to become a personal trainer one day and help people who have mobility issues but also help and inspire those who aspire to go on a weight loss journey as they can learn from my story and experience.