Rishika chats about how work and real-world experiences have shaped her into who she is today.
When I started sixth form, I thought I knew the path I was supposed to follow: finish my A-Levels, go to University, get my degree and figure out life from there. That was the plan for most of my friends, and for a while, it did seem like the only ‘right’ option. But when I started working part-time at 16 and got a taste of independence, I began to rethink what I really wanted to do after sixth form. I started to realise there wasn’t just one way forward.
My first job was more than just a pay cheque. Sure, every 16-year-old loves having a bit of extra money at the end of the week; however, for me, it was an experience, whether it was dealing with customers, learning to handle pressure, or just showing up on time after a long school day. I started to understand what real responsibility felt like. Balancing work and sixth form wasn’t easy, but it showed me that I was capable of a lot more than I thought. During my full-time education, I switched between different part-time jobs. From every job I learnt something new, from teamwork, to patience, to how to talk to different people. I didn’t realise it at the time, but all those experiences were helping me figure out what I actually wanted from a career.
Fast forward to the end of sixth form, when everyone started getting University offers, and I felt a mix of pride and pressure. I was happy for them, but deep down, I knew that route wasn’t right for me. I wanted to learn by actively working, not just by studying. That’s what led me to an Apprenticeship in Marketing. I knew that working in a professional environment would teach me more about communication and discipline than any classroom could.
When my friends moved away for University, I suddenly felt left behind. Our lives went in different directions, and that was hard to accept at first. But with time, when I finally got an apprenticeship, I realised that growing apart doesn’t mean losing people forever; instead, it’s just part of growing up. I started meeting new people through my apprenticeship here at Rambutan, and I’ve built connections with people who share my goals and interests.
Looking back, every choice I made, every late shift, every goodbye and every new start has shaped who I am today. I’ve learnt that success doesn’t have one path, and that real growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and being brave to choose a different route even when everyone around you is choosing the ‘traditional’ one. I’m proud of the independence, resilience and clarity I’ve built through working and learning in the real world.
What experiences have shaped who you are today?