Lily Traykov
“Looking back, HA completely reshaped how I view my future possibilities. I discovered the wide variety of paths available after Year 13 and realised that what’s meant for you will come—with patience, persistence and the willingness to explore.”
Defining Real World Success
For me, real world success means growing as a person—developing knowledge, passion and confidence along the way. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, trying new things and using those experiences to shape your future. Hammersmith Academy helped me believe in myself from the start. The school gave me continuous support, platforms to share my voice and access to limitless opportunities. Through that, I learned that success isn’t a fixed destination but a journey built on curiosity, courage and personal development.
My experience at HA also prepared me for life beyond school in ways that reached far beyond the classroom. I learned the importance of being on time, meeting deadlines and truly listening to the people around me. These habits became second nature and now help me enormously in professional environments. I also learned how to speak confidently with adults and peers, and that confidence now allows me to network, make connections and open doors I never would have imagined.
HA also taught me the value of ambition and perseverance. There were many ups and downs along the way, but the message was always the same: keep going. Progress isn’t always instant, but consistent effort leads to improvement. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach challenges today.
Looking back, HA completely reshaped how I view my future possibilities. I discovered the wide variety of paths available after Year 13 and realised that what’s meant for you will come—with patience, persistence and the willingness to explore. HA gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and look seriously into the world of apprenticeships, something I may never have considered without the Academy’s guidance.
Preparation for Apprenticeships and Life Beyond School
The Careers Team and my teachers were an enormous support throughout Sixth Form. They were always available—whether by email, in person or during tutor time—to guide me, answer questions and help me develop my personal statement. Their feedback was thoughtful, practical and tailored to my ambitions, which made a huge difference when preparing applications.
HA also helped me build essential life skills—teamwork, communication, resilience and time management—through everyday classroom experiences, enrichment activities and the general culture of the school. These skills now underpin everything I do, whether I’m studying, working or navigating professional settings.
Although not every section of my journey is represented in the questions above, the overall experience at HA helped me step into the real world feeling prepared, organised and confident. I understood expectations, knew how to communicate professionally and felt ready for the challenges that come with further study or employment.
“The Wednesday Insight Programme was also transformative. Every week, hearing speakers share their experiences, journeys and advice helped me understand the variety of routes people take in life.”
Opening My Eyes to the World of Work
Hammersmith Academy played a significant role in opening my eyes to the range of careers available and what success could truly look like for me. The apprenticeship event at The Phoenix building was particularly impactful—it introduced me to pathways I hadn’t previously considered and gave me the chance to speak directly with professionals. These conversations were incredibly valuable and allowed me to gain insights into industries and roles that matched my interests.
The Wednesday Insight Programme was also transformative. Every week, hearing speakers share their experiences, journeys and advice helped me understand the variety of routes people take in life. After each session, I made a point of approaching the speakers to ask questions, build connections and learn more. This helped me develop networking skills that I continue to use today.
Throughout my time at HA, the Careers Team supported me in exploring options, reviewing my applications and helping me think clearly about my next steps. Their guidance ensured I wasn’t just aware of opportunities—I felt confident enough to pursue them.
Opportunities That Made the Difference
The opportunities I experienced at HA had a huge impact on my confidence and direction. The apprenticeship event and the weekly Insight Programme both helped shape my understanding of the professional world and gave me access to advice and stories that motivated me to aim high. These experiences broadened my thinking and introduced me to a rich variety of future pathways.
My teachers also played a major role in helping me turn ambition into achievement. They were always approachable—only an email or a quick conversation away—and their open-door support made a stressful time feel manageable. I always had ambition, but they helped me believe in myself and refine that ambition into something structured and realistic. Their detailed, thoughtful feedback helped me grow academically, personally and professionally.
Attaining Success in The Real World
