Valeriu Jardan

Valeriu Jardan is currently a second year BCs Economics, History and Geography student at London School of Economics and Political Science. Valeriu is a former A Level student at NewVIc. He came from Forest Pathway College and studied A Levels in History, Psychology, Geography and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on the rising power of China. We caught up with Valeriu to find out a little more on his journey since NewVIc.

What made you apply to NewVIc?

I did my GCSEs at a special school for students from abroad that aimed to be more supportive and helpful especially towards developing our English language. The school was in Walthamstow and I was living in Newham. The journey was almost 2 hours in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. I spent so much time, energy and resources on travelling, I have promised myself that I will choose the closest college for my studies, which was NewVIc. Being only 10 minutes by bus it was the perfect choice, especially because it did the subjects that I wanted to study.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?

This is a very interesting question because I have various answers throughout the time I spent at the college. I struggled at the beginning, it was quite difficult to adapt to the History and Psychology classes especially when I have not done the GCSE in History and Psychology. All my peers were fluent in English and knew much about the contextual knowledge about British history. I felt overwhelmed in the first month, even considering changing the History subject. I will always remember the support and advice of Nazli, my history teacher, she was there to help me realise how much I loved the subject and she gave me a book to read to familiarise myself with the content.

I also struggled to understand and have a strong grip on the extracurricular activities. I seemed to always miss something and not fully understanding, this was mostly down to the fact that I was still learning the language. Towards the middle of the first year I started to make exceptional progress, I started to understand more and make sense of things, as if my eyes were opened.

Towards the end of the year I got to the very first position in terms of attainment, attendance and involvement in all my 3 A-Levels and EPQ. I was realy proud of myself; this progress came from hard work in the LRC and many hours and hours spent on reading and studying. The second year was really intense, I had to finish off both the History and Geography course works plus the exams and UCAS application, prepare for Oxford interviews and many other opportunities. It was very challenging.

All these challenges have only made me stronger and more able to adapt to difficult situations. On the whole, my college experience was intense, challenging and rewarding.

Tell us about the projects you have been involved in at the college?

Once I started to speak and understand English better, I started to perform much better at everything. I probably took part in all the possible extracurricular activities that interested me the most. After a fierce competition I won the opportunity to take part in the OxNet Programme - a 6 month programme led by Pembroke College Oxford. We experienced the Oxford undergraduate experience in weekly seminars in Canary Wharf, a week at Manchester University and a week at Pembroke College Oxford.

These were all life changing experiences as I had the opportunity to make good friends, learn so many new things and travel. I have also took part in the Toynbee Hall programme with Alan and Carina from NewVIc. It consisted in various trips around London to examine topics such as social segregation, economic inequality and diversity.

I also completed an EPQ on the rising power of China which allowed me to explore the economic, social and political implications of a powerful Chinese state and what this would mean for the whole world in-depth.

The pandemic affected us all. As part of an enquiry into how the Covid-19 disruption has impacted the education system we gave an interview on BBC news as a college.

I also took part in the bespoke Classics Programme with King's College London and NewVIc. I was also really proud that I was given the opportunity alongside some other students to represent our UCAS experience in front of twenty leading universities at a special event organised at the college.

What are your memories of NewVIc?

NewVIc was my second home for two years. It has been the place where I grew, where I have learnt to learn and where I have made lifetime friends. NewVIc has been the bridge between institutions such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career like you?

Because of NewVIc's specialist links and partnerships I have been given the opportunity to explore the heights of academic fulfilment and success. It is a comfortable and lively space, specially designed to promote success and development. I would definitely recommend studying in a college where they support you to your full potential.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?

The teachers that I had, the people that I have met and the friends that I have made shaped me to be the person I am today. I felt so welcomed at NewVIc, so safe, so much support. This college has given me courage and strength, taught me discipline and order and paved my way to professional and personal success. The facilities such as the Learning Resource Centre are excellent and the atmosphere is wonderful.

What were your next steps after leaving college?

After completing my A Levels at NewVIc, I am now in my second year of my degree in Economics, History and Geography at London School of Economics and Political Science.

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

I was unsure of my potential and where I could get to having arrived in the UK at GCSE level and having to catch up and grasp the English language. I struggled but I was determined. Two years at NewVIc changed so much for me.

What are your future plans?

I will continue with my studies at university. My joint degree really combines my interests and I hope that after completion of my studies I will be able to work for institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank or the British Government in promoting socio-economic development and growth both domestically and internationally on all levels.

My degree is really diverse and interdisciplinary, therefore it can take me to various different places such as Law or Consultancy. I will try and stay diligent and focused whilst considering all the opportunities that might arise. One thing is clear, I want to work for a better and more prosperous society, so that many other people can enjoy a better and more rewarding life. I want to lead the process of positive change.