The following case study highlights Felice Abate, a former pupil of Bromley Beacon Academy within our Trust. In his own words Felice explains his journey as a young person to career success and how BBAB guided him into the person he is today.
Introduction
My name is Felice, and I am 22 years old from Orpington.
To all pupils and young adults who read this, I encourage you to maintain a positive outlook. While I may not be in your current situation, I can share some insights from my own experiences.
I was a student at Bromley Beacon Academy’s Orpington site from Year 8 – and then transitioned to the Bromley site in Year 9, where I remained until the end of sixth form.
What was the most significant aspect of your experience at Bromley Beacon Academy Bromley?
For me, the most notable aspect of BBAB was the exceptional support and care provided to its students. Each lesson presented unique challenges that required perseverance and determination. The subject-specific teachers employed diverse strategies to motivate and guide their students. For instance, my English teacher, Amy Fitzgerald, took a patient approach and utilised various methods, such as reading cards, spelling quizzes, and other exercises, to assist me in overcoming my primary challenge: spelling.
On the other hand, my fear of riding a bicycle was different. The exceptional bike team, particularly Dan, played a pivotal role in overcoming my apprehension. They provided me with the necessary guidance and encouragement to master the art of riding a motorbike in challenging environments, including tight spaces and obstacles such as hills and jumps.
Where are you currently employed as a chef?
Currently, I am employed at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. Unfortunately, the first week of my joining the restaurant coincided with the results night, during which we regrettably lost our Michelin star! However, we are determined to regain it and are committed to achieving our goal. I have also had the privilege of working in other prestigious establishments, including my first professional kitchen, Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay.
How did you achieve your current professional status?
My current circumstances are a testament to my determination and perseverance. While the journey has not been without its challenges, including setbacks and obstacles, I have maintained a positive outlook and consistently pushed for excellence. My self-belief, determination and expectations have driven me to achieve my goals and prove to those who have supported me and doubted my abilities that I am capable and will succeed.
Throughout my life, I have had a strong work ethic, which have been evident in the things I’ve achieved. However, I cannot attribute my current success solely to my own efforts; I am incredibly grateful to staff at BBA for their trust and guidance.
I believe that the foundation of effective advice lies in maintaining a positive attitude, never giving up, and asking for help when needed. Failure is part of this and should never stop you from pursuing your goals. Instead, failure is a valuable learning experience that helps you succeed in the long run.
What advice would you offer to other young people?
This is my key piece of advice - never let your head bow down. Stay strong, persevere and focus on your own success.
True success lies not in the opinions of others but in your own perceptions and aspirations. Don’t base your success on the achievements of others; instead, strive for your own personal growth and fulfilment.