Graphic design of a group photo overlaid with text. The photo on the right shows a group of people posing outside in front of a brick building, with individuals making various poses and expressions. The left side of the graphic has a colourful gradient background of orange, pink, and yellow. Text at the top reads "FREYA, PRAISE & PRESTON" in a white box with pink text. Below the photo, bold black and white text reads "BEEN THERE SLAYED THAT" with the word "SLAYED" in pink boxes.

My NCS Experience: Freya, Praise and Preston’s Review

By NCS

Written by Freya (she/her), who did a ‘Change It’ experience in Preston, Praise (she/her), who did a ‘Live It’ experience in Ashford and Preston (he/him) who did an away from home experience as part of the Loud Speaker Easter Weekender.

4 min read

Been There, Slayed That is a weekly series where young people share a review of their NCS experience. This week we’re hearing from Freya, Praise and Preston! 
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1. Why did you decide to go on NCS?
Freya: I went because I wanted to improve my communication skills and meet new people!

Praise: To learn and experience new things that I wouldn’t ordinarily learn or experience in a school setting and at home.

Preston: I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, and I really think I did that on the trip.

2. What did you most enjoy?
Freya: I enjoyed the outdoor activities we did (climbing and canoeing) and I really enjoyed meeting new people. It has definitely helped me as I've gone to college to make more friends and talk to new people.

Praise: The talks and the adventurous activities.

Preston: The activities were super engaging and also the friends I made along the way. Even though we live far apart from each other, we're still friends.

A picture of three young people at a wooden picnic table under a canopy decorated with colourful triangular flags. On the left, a person with glasses, a nose piercing, and short reddish hair gives a thumbs-up while wearing a black hoodie with a rainbow flag on the right sleeve of the hoodie. In the middle, a person with short dark hair wears a . On the right, a person with long brown hair leans on the table and makes a pouty face wearing a white top.

 

A picture of a person suspended mid-air, holding onto a high ropes course apparatus at night. The person is dressed in dark clothing, and the background shows leafless trees and a dark blue sky. The ropes course consists of cables and wooden poles.

 

3. What did you find challenging?
Freya: At first, I was really shy. I didn't want to talk to anyone and was fairly closed off but I slowly began to just talk to people and found it easier and easier the more I did it.

Praise: The initial change of environment, introduction to already made friendships and meeting new people from a different London culture was challenging. I learned to have active conversations, balance my social energy and keep trying. I realised that like me the people I met were trying to get used to me and the environment as well. By the end of the week, I felt much more comfortable and open. I also learned by observing the culture of the people around me and applying that.

Picture of two young people standing on a grassy field on a cloudy day. The person on the left (a black girl) wears a black T-shirt and black pants, posing with her hands in a playful claw-like gesture. The person on the right (a white boy) wears a grey hoodie and light brown pants with mud stains, also posing with claw-like hands. Trees and a building are visible in the background.


Preston: I definitely found that talking to other people was challenging as I like to stick with a certain group, but doing this allowed me to talk to people I never thought I'd talk to

4. If you could do it all again, what's one thing you'd do differently?
Freya: I would maybe get involved more in activities with the others in my group during breaks and stuff because I don't think I did much.

Praise: Take more snacks and hair products!

A picture of three young girls standing indoors. The person on the left (a black girl) wears a grey hoodie and dark pants. The person in the middle (a white girl), with long curly hair and glasses, holds her phone up close to her mouth like she is taking a picture. The person on the right (a white girl) wears a shiny silver dress with a black bottom and holds a yellow daffodil and a red tulip. The background features a large white screen and scattered paper on the floor.


Preston: I would definitely say that I'd try the activities I didn't try, such as the Leap of Faith and try to overcome some fears.

5. What memory from your NCS experience will stay with you for life?
Freya: The feeling of confidence it gave me when I left and how it has definitely improved my talking skills.

Praise: The music, songs and dances, the 3D swing, the talks.

Preston: The memory of the friends I made and the fun we had will stay with me forever.

A group of people inside a wooden shelter, posing for a selfie. Several individuals have stickers of red cartoon cat faces on their faces. The person in the foreground on the left wears a headset and makes a pouty face. The person on the right sticks out their tongue and makes a peace sign. Other people in the background are making various expressions and poses.


6. If you had to sum up your NCS experience in three words, what would they be?
Freya: Fun, enriching, wonderful
Praise: Music, adventure, excitement
Preston: Enthusiastic, nervous, confident

Any final thoughts?
Praise: It was amazing and I’m really glad I got to go.

Preston: It was an amazing experience and I learned so much about my comforts and my fears, and my confidence definitely grew.

 

Want to sign up for an NCS experience? Grab your place today! Or if you’ve already been, tell us about it to be featured on the blog.