Shanerah Turner’s Rise Story!

Curiosity to Confidence: How Rise Helped Me Grow Personally and Professionally

Hi, I’m Shanerah Turner, and I’m a proud participant of the Rise programme at Manchester Metropolitan University. As I prepare to graduate with a degree in Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what’s helped me reach this milestone, and without question, Rise has been a major part of that journey. Through Rise, I’ve earned 8 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze badges, along with the Strive, PAL Leader, and Profile Builder badges. Each one reflects hours of exploration, commitment, and self-development far beyond the classroom. These badges represent over 60 hours of extracurricular learning, but more importantly, they reflect the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and into new spaces that challenged and inspired me.

One of the most impactful experiences I had through Rise was participating in the Mindless Academy Business Leadership Programme. The Academy didn’t just teach me how to write, it taught me how to connect, how to reflect deeply, and how to craft messages that matter. For someone who is passionate about psychology and making a difference in people’s lives, this experience allowed me to blend that passion with purpose. The Aspiring Teachers Career Incubator Programme was another standout opportunity, giving me hands-on classroom exposure and practical insight into inclusive education. As someone who values empathy, this programme helped me understand how to support students with diverse needs, how to foster inclusive spaces, and how to link psychology with education in a real, grounded way. I left the programme not only with knowledge but with confidence, knowing that I have something meaningful to bring into any room I walk into.

Rise wasn’t just a side activity. It became a bridge between theory and practice, between who I was when I started university and who I’ve become as I approach graduation. It gave me structure, motivation, and opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise accessed. It encouraged me to try new things, to reflect on my growth, and to build a professional profile that’s as dynamic and compassionate as I am.

Personally, Rise has helped me grow in confidence, leadership, and self-awareness. It showed me that employability isn’t just about qualifications it’s about experience, intention, and how you show up. Through Rise, I’ve learned how to collaborate across different disciplines, how to communicate clearly, and how to lead with heart. Professionally, the skills I gained, particularly in content creation, digital storytelling, teaching, and community engagement, have already strengthened my CV and helped me stand out in interviews and applications. Employers value initiative, reflection, and adaptability, and Rise gave me the platform to develop and demonstrate all three.

If you’re a student looking to get more from your university experience, I genuinely encourage you to get involved with Rise. Whether you’re interested in writing, teaching, social impact, or personal development, there is something in Rise for you. Even if you’re unsure of your path, Rise is the perfect space to explore without pressure and with the full support of a community that believes in your potential. Rise offers incredible opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It’s not just about gaining skills, it’s about discovering who you are through the process. As I get ready to leave university and step into the next chapter of my life, I can say with certainty that Rise helped me get here with confidence, clarity, and purpose.