Stephen McDonald: Moving on from the Recruit 2010

Today, Stevie was mentoring me on what I want from the course I will be studying at college, which is a HNC in Accounting. One of the first things he told me today was “Fail to plan, plan to fail”. This quote means that if I want to be successful, then I have to start planning ahead, so while people in my course may not be sure of what they want out of the course, I know what I want from after college, which is to progress into University. Another quote which links into this theme is “Work smarter than everyone else” and this focuses on staying one step ahead of everyone else. One way I can do this is by finding a work experience placement at an accountant’s office. I have already had an experience of spending a day in an accountant’s office, which I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from it. I also found it to be interesting as this gave me the chance to see what my future career will be like. I also spoke about this at my college interview and the woman who was interviewing me was impressed! Once I start college, I have 60 months, 1825 days, 43800 hours, 2628000 minutes or 15768000 seconds until I achieve my next goal, which is to become a qualified accountant. I will make every second count.

Stevie also reiterated the importance of setting timelines. Today I am a different person from who I was 8 months ago when I started my work experience at KDS. I wasn’t sure how to get to into the positive destination I wanted and now I have it, and I know what I want from the next 5 years, which is to complete the accounting course in college and move on into university. I was also unable to speak in front of an audience but during my time at KDS I have spoke in front of 120 people at Paisley Town Hall and also in front of my peers at school. Today I am a more confident person and I am also more focused , as I know what goals I want to achieve and I know what I’ve got to do to achieve these goals.

“Energy goes where focus flows”, so when I’m focused on what I want to do, I’ll have the positive energy in me and this will motivate to do well. Stevie also told me about making decisions when I’m in a good state of mind, as I will make the right decision when I’m in a good state.

So, as I progress to the next stage of my journey, Stevie has showed me that I will need to be aware of:

Maturity - how to adapt and change to situations

Believing in Myself - "I CAN DO THIS!"

Limitations - I have none!

As this is my final blog, I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge “Thank You” to Stevie Kidd and everyone at KDS, all of the people who have given up their time support me on this journey, and everyone who has read my blogs and followed my journey.

9 Comments

Posted by Joe Wilson on 24 August 2011

Hi Stephen, I would like to thank you for sharing your experiences during this part of your life. It''s been a great story (so far!) and I''m sure you''ll do well in your academic and working life with all the skills and strategies you have in place. I don''t know if you realise how much your journey has inspired others to challenge who they currently are and move towards who they want to be? Trust me, you have been a catalyst for change and a great example of how to get where you want to be. Thanks. ps-Top of the class in college! Coooome Ooooooon!

Posted by Lorraine Hart on 23 August 2011

Stephen it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your family. You have done yourself proud and achieved the goal that you set for yourself. This is only the beginning and I can''t wait to hear as your journey progresses and you keep smashing your goals! xx

Posted by Sarahjane Sarkhosh on 23 August 2011

I can''t emphasize how different you are now from when I first met you at the beginning of the Recruit. Really proud of you getting into that Accountancy course and was very impressed when you told me yesterday what your plans are whilst studying to ensure you stand out!

Posted by Steven Hunter on 22 August 2011

An epic journey Stephen, you''ve been a credit to your family and friends but most importantly to yourself. Well done.

Posted by Roger on 22 August 2011

The journey is really only beginning for Stephen. But what a fantstice platform form which to spring into the future. Great work Stevie K, best wishes Stephen.

Posted by rob clemence on 22 August 2011

Very best of luck Stephen - build on the terrific progress already made :)

Posted by Stuart Smith on 22 August 2011

Stephen,I was very glad to meet you today. Just let me say that you have had the best grounging for what you are about to embark on & I wish you the very best of luck for the future. I`m sure you will succeed in all endeavours just as you have in the 8 months you have been working with Stevie. Once again my friend GOOD LUCK and go for it.

Posted by Ross Devine on 22 August 2011

Well done Stephen, you have been tremendously well & I am for one very proud. I''m sure you will go onto achieve bigger things in life. Good luck for college. Go and show them what your made of!

Posted by Alison Gilbert on 22 August 2011

Wishing you well Stephen on the next part of your journey. The only thing that is constant is change. You have experienced, and we has witnessed, major changes in your outlook over these past eight months. A great credit to you as you have listened and taken positive actions on the mentoring you have received from Stevie Kidd. Time well spent!

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