2020. A year that nobody anticipated. Many of us stepped into the New Year with hopes and aspirations; New Year’s resolutions and big dreams, envisioning all the possibilities of what could be.

However, only two months into the year COVID struck in China. At first many in the UK must have thought, that’s the other side of the world. “That virus ain’t never going to reach here…” Well those probably were famous last words. I recall opening the front door to my daughter who had returned from teaching in China for a week as part of Chinese New Year. I was actually quite put out that she had turned up early unannounced. Who knew that was a reason to be cheerful. The following week would have meant that she would have been locked down with the virus at large in China unable to travel.

This devastating pandemic has no doubt left many feeling dejected and demotivated, with a lot of people probably thinking “What is the point?” especially if they’ve lost loved ones and their livelihood. There is no doubt this year has given us so much to be sad about but I still believe that there is some good within the bad, a silver-lining on these clouds and I think its important, now more than ever, to focus on the things that we can be thankful for. 

This year I decided to employ a young individual under The Apprenticeship Scheme. The government has described apprenticeships as being “More important than ever in helping businesses recruit the right people in order to recover and grow.” I wholeheartedly agree because alongside gaining invaluable skills, an apprenticeship provides individuals with the opportunity to earn while they learn which in turn creates a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and employees. 

The reason why I have decided to write about my new endeavour is because I believe it highlights the fact that even at the very worst, there are always things to be grateful for. My young apprentice, who’s name is Tobi, can surely attest to this; prior to her securing this role she had been feeling very down and discouraged as a result of unemployment and general unhappiness even in her previous job and yet, it was in this same pandemic that she managed to establish a strong sense of direction through deciding what she wanted for herself career-wise. When discussing what she hoped to gain through this apprenticeship Tobi expressed her dreams of one day being a successful Social Media Manager or a Public Relations Officer and the fact that together we are working towards making this dream a reality at a point in time where it seems opportunities are scarce should provide those reading this with a sense of hope and a belief that all is truly not lost. In addition to this, her success in landing this apprenticeship with View From My Window is, to me, quite symbolic of the values held by myself and my brand because helping and uplifting others is at the core of everything we do and being able to provide amazing opportunities to young people like Tobi, especially in a time like this truly fills me with joy. 

Tobi herself commented: “Just two months ago I was lacking direction and dealing with an immense feeling of self-doubt. Fast forward to now and I feel encouraged and optimistic in a way that I truly haven’t felt in a while.”

I just want to reassure those who may be feeling hopeless because of their current circumstances, that although things may look bad now they won’t be bad forever. This year may have hit us with many unexpected difficulties but have faith in the fact that everything meant for you will surely be for you and the effects of this pandemic is just another obstacle that we must overcome and indeed we will.

2020. A year that nobody anticipated. Many of us stepped into the New Year with hopes and aspirations; New Year’s resolutions and big dreams, envisioning all the possibilities of what could be.

However, only two months into the year COVID struck in China. At first many in the UK must have thought, that’s the other side of the world. “That virus ain’t never going to reach here…” Well those probably were famous last words. I recall opening the front door to my daughter who had returned from teaching in China for a week as part of Chinese New Year. I was actually quite put out that she had turned up early unannounced. Who knew that was a reason to be cheerful. The following week would have meant that she would have been locked down with the virus at large in China unable to travel.

This devastating pandemic has no doubt left many feeling dejected and demotivated, with a lot of people probably thinking “What is the point?” especially if they’ve lost loved ones and their livelihood. There is no doubt this year has given us so much to be sad about but I still believe that there is some good within the bad, a silver-lining on these clouds and I think its important, now more than ever, to focus on the things that we can be thankful for. 

This year I decided to employ a young individual under The Apprenticeship Scheme. The government has described apprenticeships as being “More important than ever in helping businesses recruit the right people in order to recover and grow.” I wholeheartedly agree because alongside gaining invaluable skills, an apprenticeship provides individuals with the opportunity to earn while they learn which in turn creates a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and employees. 

The reason why I have decided to write about my new endeavour is because I believe it highlights the fact that even at the very worst, there are always things to be grateful for. My young apprentice, who’s name is Tobi, can surely attest to this; prior to her securing this role she had been feeling very down and discouraged as a result of unemployment and general unhappiness even in her previous job and yet, it was in this same pandemic that she managed to establish a strong sense of direction through deciding what she wanted for herself career-wise. When discussing what she hoped to gain through this apprenticeship Tobi expressed her dreams of one day being a successful Social Media Manager or a Public Relations Officer and the fact that together we are working towards making this dream a reality at a point in time where it seems opportunities are scarce should provide those reading this with a sense of hope and a belief that all is truly not lost. In addition to this, her success in landing this apprenticeship with View From My Window is, to me, quite symbolic of the values held by myself and my brand because helping and uplifting others is at the core of everything we do and being able to provide amazing opportunities to young people like Tobi, especially in a time like this truly fills me with joy. 

Tobi herself commented: “Just two months ago I was lacking direction and dealing with an immense feeling of self-doubt. Fast forward to now and I feel encouraged and optimistic in a way that I truly haven’t felt in a while.”

I just want to reassure those who may be feeling hopeless because of their current circumstances, that although things may look bad now they won’t be bad forever. This year may have hit us with many unexpected difficulties but have faith in the fact that everything meant for you will surely be for you and the effects of this pandemic is just another obstacle that we must overcome and indeed we will.