Michaela Mensah, a 22-year-old from a council estate in Brixton, has been offered a place at Harvard University, describing the experience as 'living in a dream'. The Cambridge University graduate is the oldest of four sisters, raised by her mother, a mental health assistant, and her father, a London bus driver.
A Dream Realized
Michaela has launched a fundraiser to raise £80,000 for tuition and expenses. Her journey began when her Head of Sixth Form at Oasis Academy Southbank, Mr Slavinsky, asked 'why not you?' regarding an Oxbridge application. Michaela was 'left speechless' and thought he was joking. She said: 'I feel like when you're from certain areas, you unconsciously put limitations on yourself... I just never thought why I would apply to Cambridge.' Now she aims to 'scale educational initiatives to support young people to dream bigger and unlock their potential.'
Family Support
Michaela credits her parents for not exerting pressure. They were so relaxed that she hadn't even told her father she applied to Cambridge. She notes that in some cultures, like West Africa and South Asia, there can be pressure to study certain subjects, but her parents were 'ecstatic' despite not having attended university themselves. 'No one in my family really did stuff like that,' she said.
Realizing Opportunities
At Cambridge, Michaela realized the importance of education in shaping pathways. She initially aimed for finance but, after working in schools in Feltham and South and West London, felt drawn to education to address inequality. 'There's so much educational inequality that I really feel drawn to the sphere of education,' she said.
Microaggressions and Imposter Syndrome
While her time at Homerton College was positive, Michaela experienced microaggressions, such as comments about her hair during a basketball game. She attributed these to ignorance rather than malice. She also struggled with imposter syndrome, especially transitioning from sixth form to university. 'It doesn't feel real,' she said. 'I still live in the same estate... little Michaela from Lambeth is going to these institutions you see on TV.'
Breaking Mental Barriers
Michaela noted that people from her background rarely see Oxbridge graduates as role models, unlike footballers or musicians. 'You may not choose your circumstances, but you can choose where you end up,' she said. 'We have the privilege of free education in the UK; make the most of it.'
Faith and Gratitude
A devout Christian, Michaela attends Alive Church London and thanks Jesus for her journey. 'Everything has been intentional,' she said. 'He helped me not conform to what others expect based on my background, but to walk in my purpose in education.'
