Let us introduce you to our latest GA guest blogger, Joanna (in her words)
Hi¡ªI¡¯m Joanna Kaczmarska. I believe the best learning happens in a space where people feel supported and able to tackle challenges together. In my role as a Student Success Specialist at 老虎机游戏 Assembly London, I¡¯ve been privileged to work with some truly inspiring students, and their dedication has been just as eye-opening for me.
I¡¯m a firm believer in the power of education, taking things step by step (even if it¡¯s a wobble), and the quiet strength of empathy to help us keep moving forward and maybe even enjoy the ride.
After four years at 老虎机游戏 Assembly London as a Student Success Specialist, I¡¯ve seen hundreds of students come through our virtual doors. People from different industries, backgrounds, and walks of life, each bringing unique goals and aspirations. But despite these differences, two things have consistently stood out to me:
- Most of us are figuring things out as we go.
- We¡¯re far more alike than we realise.
From the outside, it’s easy to assume others have it all together, especially in a space like GA, where people are making a significant leap, such as changing careers or mastering a new skill. But in my role, I’ve had the unique privilege of getting to know students in quieter, more personal moments, in one-to-one conversations where self-doubt sometimes speaks louder than confidence. These candid conversations have given me a fuller understanding of just how much we all carry that isn’t visible at first glance.
We all have a story
Long before the first class begins, students are already carrying a lot. Sure, there are logistical things to manage, but there are emotions too. Excitement, drive, and motivation often come bundled with uncertainty and questions like, ¡°Can I really do this?¡±
I¡¯ve worked with mothers returning to the workforce after years at home. I¡¯ve seen individuals navigating illness, grief, and burnout, yet still choosing to try. And I¡¯ve supported students who lacked external encouragement but still showed up.
All of these experiences have helped me understand that everyone carries something, even if you feel like you¡¯re the only one. You may not always see it in others, but it¡¯s there. A big part of my job is simply reminding students that they¡¯re not alone. And honestly? That reminder is often enough to help someone breathe a little easier and keep going.
Growth doesn¡¯t always look how you expect
Once class begins, things move fast. Students are learning new skills, absorbing concepts, experimenting, and collaborating in groups, all while managing life outside the course. It¡¯s exciting and deeply rewarding, but there are moments when it can feel overwhelming too.
Some people find their footing right away. Others take more time to get there. Both paths are equally valid.
One thing I¡¯ve noticed, working with so many students, is that growth is rarely linear. It¡¯s usually uneven, untidy (sometimes even chaotic), and that seems to be part of the process. And sure, most of us know that in theory, but it¡¯s still worth saying (yes, I¡¯m talking to myself too): it¡¯s perfectly fine when things don¡¯t click right away. And it¡¯s also fine to get a little frustrated when they don¡¯t.
Sometimes growth means getting through a tricky lesson. Sometimes it means leading a project you didn¡¯t think you could. And sometimes it just means showing up, especially on the days when that feels like the hardest thing to do. All of that counts, because it¡¯s in those uncertain and let¡¯s be honest, sometimes frustrating moments, where real growth happens.
You¡¯re probably doing better than you think
Many students bring a lot of confidence, which is always wonderful to witness, but for some, a sense of doubt sometimes creeps in.
I hear it in one-on-one chats, late-night emails, Slack messages, and in my experience, especially from women. Even when they¡¯re doing really well, many still hesitate to believe it. They worry they¡¯re behind, or that others ¡°just get it¡± more easily.
To anyone who can relate, and especially to the wonderful women reading this, I want to say this, even if it might sound a bit clich¨¦: You don¡¯t need to be perfect to take up space. You¡¯re allowed to learn as you go, and you don¡¯t need all the answers before you begin.
And if you¡¯re in the course already and happen to read this in a moment when you might not feel like you¡¯re thriving, you might not quite yet, but you are learning. And more than likely, you¡¯re doing better than you think.
How these lessons learned have impacted me
One of the most unexpected aspects of this role has been how much I have learned. Before joining GA, I often questioned myself, quietly but consistently.
But watching students move forward, even when they¡¯re scared, has changed that for me. I¡¯ve seen firsthand that doubt is a normal part of life (not a sign that something is broken inside). Struggle is normal. And the best part? Neither of those things has to stop us.
Somewhere between supporting students and listening to their stories, I¡¯ve learned to be more compassionate with myself too. I¡¯ve been reminded that confidence isn¡¯t something you need to have before you start (though if you¡¯re lucky enough to have it early on, amazing). It¡¯s something that grows over time, through action, through mistakes (which I used to fear and feel ashamed of), and through showing up, again and again.
A gentle reminder for anyone thinking of change
If you¡¯re thinking about doing something new, whether that¡¯s taking a course at GA, changing careers, or learning an unfamiliar skill, and you¡¯re wondering if you¡¯re the kind of person who can do it, I won’t tell you it’ll be easy. But I will tell you that you’re probably more capable than you think, and it¡¯ll be so worth it. Not because you¡¯ll get everything right straight away (although that¡¯s possible too), but because you¡¯ll find your way, just like so many others before you have.
So don¡¯t wait until you feel completely ready. Start from where you are, and the confidence, clarity, and skills will come.
And if you ever find yourself thinking, ¡°Am I the only one who feels this way?¡± I promise you, you¡¯re not. Not even close.
Take the first step forward today. Check out our upcoming free classes?and info sessions, along with our complete course catalogue.