Current student, Aqdes Hussain, has spoken to Caroline Craft, our Careers Adviser about what he's been doing during lockdown. Aqdes, 18, from Chesham is currently studying BTEC Level 2 Diploma in ICT at Aylesbury Campus.
What have you been doing during lockdown?
Alongside attending my college course online, I have been praying at home (the mosque is closed) as it is important to me to keep my faith. I have been spending more time with my family, which has been good. I have been helping in my local Muslim community in Chesham by delivering food and medicines to those who have no transport and are less fortunate. Some in my neighbourhood have lost their livelihoods because of the virus. I am lucky enough to own a car and be a car driver, so can help others who are not so fortunate. Some have been struggling for food and we have a great community food bank in the area too.
Why have you helped others during lockdown?
I think it is important to help others as we were helped years ago when we needed it as a family. It is like paying a debt back. It is good to put yourself in their shoes. It is Ramadan now and even more so a time to help others.
How has helping others made you feel?
It is a great feeling; I have always been encouraged to look out for others. It is a family thing, as you do not know when you will need it. It also means that you are respected by others as being a good person and this is then known in the community. I can then go on and give this advice to others in the future.
How can you use your lockdown experience in the future?
I can use it to show employers that I am a caring person and can work as part of a team, willing to help in a crisis and that I can deal with problems and I am confident in doing so. I can create a good impression at interviews if asked what I did during the virus, we acted quickly to help people as they may not have received any official help soon enough. I can put it onto my CV as a good set of qualities.
What are you looking most forward to when we come out of lockdown?
Going to the Barbers to get a haircut! I can’t trust my brother with the scissors!!!
