FROM THE GUEST EDITOR: 'Why I would tell somebody to always give it a go'

I’m someone who puts 100 per cent into everything I do and have always been up for trying new things.

I started Scouting when I was six, a decision my parents made for me, but it was certainly my choice to keep going when I started secondary school.

I didn’t know it at the time, but it was setting a great foundation for life.

The experiences I shared with my peers in Scouts have aided me in the long-term.

Attending two World Scout Jamborees, one in Sweden and the other in Japan, developed my cultural awareness. I really began to understand the various backgrounds people come from.

Also, helping to set up a new Scout group in one of the most socially deprived areas of Sheffield showed me that the smallest things can brighten up a young person’s week.

I still believe that working with a range of young people in the Scouts is what helped me get the role I currently have within HEPP.

During secondary school, I took my football referee exam and started officiating as a 15-year-old.

Having the responsibility of refereeing gave me a lot of confidence as an adolescent.

Dealing with conflict is a weekly occurrence, that’s just the nature of the game.

This confidence has helped me to challenge myself and take on larger tasks at work that I may have shied away from without my previous experiences.

If I had to give one bit of advice to someone not knowing how they can best utilise their time, it would be to always give something a go.

You don’t know you’ll like it unless you try it! I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without that theory.

Like with Scouting and football refereeing, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy going to university.

I always thought it was for the rich and A* students. It really isn’t, I finished school with average grades and come from a working-class background.

University is one of the most diverse places I have ever been.

• Sam Clayton is today’s guest editor and is a Higher Education Engagement Assistant at the Higher Education Progression Partnership.