Tai’bat (LHB, GrE 18-25) A driven and accomplished student, Tai’bat has thrived at Christ's Hospital, seizing opportunities in sport, advocacy, and leadership. From excelling in athletics to leading equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, her journey has been one of growth and achievement. She now looks ahead to an internship with Cancer Research UK, before studying Geography at university and is eager to contribute to global change. Opening the Door to Opportunity 'The day I found out I had got a place at CH; I remember walking into the kitchen after school and I had a letter. As soon as I saw ‘Dear Tai’bat…’, I started crying- tears of joy! I was so happy and excited that the next day at school, I told everyone. I grew up in quite a deprived area and being able to afford an education like this was genuinely unimaginable.' Tai'bat's Journey of Growth and Achievement Sporting Success 'My biggest achievements include playing for the 1st XI hockey team and particularly athletics - I was part of the Athletics Development Programme (ADP), I achieved Sussex schools champion in the 100m and this year, I was triple jump champion in Sussex, as well as 2nd place in the 60m, putting me in national rankings'. Photo: Tai’bat running in the Sussex Championships Embracing Responsibility I was also part of the and Model United Nations (MUN) where I was able to participate in an international Model United Nations conference at the University of Cambridge. I also became the first female drum major and have been appointed a monitor, which are responsibilities that I really enjoy.' Photo: Tai’bat with the MUN conference team Discovering Passions and Making Change 'Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) charity work and social policy have inspired me, through subjects like geography (which I plan to study at university). I’ve helped with several affinity groups; the African and Caribbean Society (ACS) and I’m one of the leaders of the Muslim Students Association (MSA), as well as being an EDI monitor, where I get to be at the forefront of change here at CH.' Photo: Tai’bat with fellow Muslim Students Association (MSA) leaders Photo: Tai’bat attending an EDI representatives meeting Advocacy and Leadership 'I have gained so much confidence since joining Christ's Hospital, I’ve hosted entire chapel services, spoken about my passion in EDI work, performed speeches and spoken word/poetry to hundreds of people. In 2024, I came third in the National Student Voice Awards, winning bronze for my work in advocacy and leadership! Something I could never imagine happening if I wasn’t at CH. Memorable Moments Lifelong Bonds 'My happiest most memorable moment at Christ's Hospital is being a House Captain- it’s so full circle being the role model to younger students, when that was once me. They have truly become family and the bonds I have with those girls are ones I’ll keep for a lifetime!' Photo: Tai'bat with her housemates Camping for a Cause 'I had the opportunity to lead on a fundraising project, where I created and executed a 48-hour fundraiser Kamping4Kafusi, where the girls in my boarding house camped out in aid of girls in Zimbabwe to raise funds for a boarding house.' Photo: Tai'bat and housemates camping out in aid of girls in Zimbabwe Next Steps 'After CH I will be taking on an internship with Cancer Research UK, to work with the communications team and affected families - a cause very close to my heart as a young carer myself! I’ve also been given a grant via the Lord Mayor’s 800th Anniversary Award to start my own short film series called ‘Where We Land’, documenting the journey of the Black diaspora across the UK. I’ll visit cities and meet incredible change-makers, inspired by the EDI work I’ve done at Christ's Hospital! I’ve discovered a keen interest in social policy, education and international development. After university I’d love to travel to countries like Japan and Iceland to work in disaster management.' A Heartfelt Thank You 'The difference made supporting just one student here, whether that be an entire place or subsidy is truly incredible. Thank you to all Christ's Hospital supporters for all they do in progressing young people in their lives and helping make what I thought once was impossible, possible. The opportunities I’ve been given here are truly endless. Without CH, I’m not sure I’d be the person I am today, with all the achievements and experience I now have. I’ve learnt that I love helping people and that there is no barrier that should stop me from doing what I want. I’ve learnt about new passions and hobbies like singing and spoken word and I thank you for that.' Support 21 Futures 'A CH bursary has opened so many opportunities, from once-in-a-lifetime trips, to playing instruments I didn’t previously know existed'. Tai'bat's journey shows the difference your support can make. Join the 21 Futures campaign and ensure 21 more students get the same life-changing opportunities. DONATE Professional photos by Toby Phillips Photography. All rights reserved. (April 2025)