Images from campus at Birmingham University

Jhundon Mendi was an avid member of the NewVIc Student Union in the role of Lead Councillor. He was also part of the Honours Programme. He recently featured on a live podcast with BBC Asian Network talking about starting university. He came from Brampton Manor Academy School and studied A Levels in Maths, Physics and Computer Science achieving A* A* A*. He progressed onto study an undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham to study BA (Hons.) Computer Science. We caught up with Jhundon to find out a little more on his journey since NewVIc.

WHAT MADE YOU APPLY TO NEWVIC?

I chose to be a NewVIc student because the opportunities that are widely available to students. From the Honours Programme to becoming an Student Union executive, to participating in events and club activities that I wouldn’t expect to see in other colleges. All of these wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t choose to come to NewVIc and be a student here.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST SEMESTER AT UNIVERSITY?

I've just broken up for Christmas at Birmingham and so far it has been quite a jump from NewVIc, especially with the contents I'm doing this semester. At the moment, my modules are Data Structures and Algorithms, Mathematical and Logical Fundamentals of CS and Object-Oriented Programming. Luckily, OOP and DSA are pretty easy to learn but MLFCS is entirely different to what I learned at A-Levels (Nothing but proofs and sets so far!). We are covering Set Theory and Propositional Logics in that module and it has been both a terrifying and interesting topic. OOP and DSA are covering very familiar topics from A-Level CS but I think we're going to do deeper into that in the next term.

HOW IS UNIVERSITY LIFE IN COMPARISON TO COLLEGE LIFE?

I am enjoying it so far! I've joined up with the Computer Science Society and 'AnFiniteNumberOfMonkeys' (or AFNOM) hacking society and got the chance to meet the committee members as well as get acquainted with a few other first years. Although it has just been a term into university, a lot has happened and opportunities are just popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get the chance to do everything but I want to focus on the things I can do and as well as my degree. One example is that I became one of the eight Student Representatives for the first-year cohort and it's similar to the Student Councillors which we should have our first forum next week! I planned to apply for a Student Ambassador job at the university so I can put the skills I learnt to use and contribute towards the Personal Skills Award (As well as helping to fund my living here too!).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A PART OF THE STUDENT UNION AT NEWVIC?

I aspired to help other students become confident in what they do and be successful. My role helped me connect with other students and gather ideas and express those ideas to the Student Union. I took joy in helping others when they needed it and make myself available for when they needed help with something around the college. With my SU role, I voiced students opinions without them fearing of being judged. I helped other Student Councillors feel more positive in what they are saying during the Student Council Summits. It allowed them to be more involved in the process of improving the college.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING NEWVIC?

NewVIc offers great programmes and extra- curricular activities for all students. Take advantage of all that NewVIc has to offer and make the most of your time there, learn something new, make new friends for life and explore things together. Together with NewVIc I did. I honestly miss NewVIc, I keep up with the posts on social media and I am thrilled to see the number of things that are happening in such a short time at the college! Keep it up.

SO WHAT’S NEXT?

I’m going to enjoy some time off with family back in London and get back to university for the next term. I’ll put my head down and focus on what I need to do for the semester ahead and explore the university area with my new friends.