Danel is currently studying for her A-levels with us at Kings Brighton after winning the 2020 Roger McMahon Scholarship, open to students from Kazakhstan. We recently caught up with her to find out about her experience so far, including how it has been attending classes in person here in the UK.
Hi Danel. How are your classes going so far?
Everything’s going great so far.
What subjects are you studying as part of your A-level course?
I’m doing A-level Psychology, English, Maths and History.
Can you tell us about your experience of self-isolating in the Kings residence after you arrived?
It was okay, they brought me food which was really good! On the first day, I was jet lagged and didn’t feel too well, but otherwise everything was great.
How did Kings support you whilst you were isolating?
The residence supervisors came round and told me about food delivery and Apple Pay and bank accounts, so that helped. The food was good.
What did you do when you were isolating?
I tried decorating my room, but I didn’t bring everything I needed with me so I’m planning to go shopping and buy some posters and things. I unpacked, which took a while! I read a few books too.
Did you join lessons whilst you were isolating?
I joined lessons from the start of term from home (Kazakhstan). The wi-fi is much better here though, so it’s easier. It was good, my last school also used Microsoft Teams so I knew how to use it and how to access everything I needed.
How has your first week at the school been? Are you enjoying the face-to-face classes?
Yes, it’s much easier because I stay more focused in class.
Why did you arrive late to the school?
Partly because of COVID, as I couldn’t get my visa in time. And then the isolation period also.
Were you concerned before you came?
No, I was hoping for the best and thought it would be fine.
And has it been fine?
Yes!
What do you think of Brighton so far?
It’s very bright, there’s so many different things here — a lot of diversity which you don’t see so much in Kazakhstan. The colourful buildings are a new thing for me. It’s very artistic.
What are you looking forward to over the coming months?
I’m looking forward to getting to know the city better and exploring more. I’m hoping to meet new people and I hope we can all be friends.
