Why one hur matters

King's has impacted my life in so many positive ways, it's hard to pick a single moment. I was diagnosed with a serious illness a couple weeks before starting sixth form; despite my lower sixth year being dominated by hospital appointments and treatment, King's was instrumental in making sure I was well looked after and supported at school, which meant that I could keep up with my studies and "normal life", and didn't have to take a year out of school. Thanks to the constant support and kindness of the teachers, nurse, staff and my good friends at King's (whom I've remained close to since), I am able to look back on this period of my life with fondness despite it being very challenging.

I remember one teacher in particular, Miss McKissack, who was a phenomenal teacher, and also a really good human. I remember one conversation where she asked me to stay behind when I was 12. She said, “Nizar, I know you might be struggling but you belong here as much as everyone else.” It switched something in my head, in my mindset and I thought, yes I do belong hear. I’m getting the same opportunities as everyone else, and I should avail these. In the next few weeks I was performing better, and getting higher grades. Miss McKissack played a highly critical role in reshaping my mindset, and I’ll be forever grateful and indebted to her kindness as well as all the many amazing teachers at King’s.