Kara Hitchin

Kara Hitchin, age 21,  is a Catch22 Young Advisor

When did you first get involved with Catch22?
I was involved with Catch22's Positive Futures programme in Sutton, then went onto volunteering and eventually got a job through the project. I also work with the Youth Advisory Board and have presented our views to the Home Office on several occasions. Through my dedication and hard work on the Youth Advisory Board and Positive Futures, I was offered a job as National Administrator for Positive Futures last year, which has led to another job with the Catch22 NCS Partnership.

What did you enjoy about the Catch22 project?
It gave me a chance to forget all my worries and allowed me time away from my stressful home life. It gave me time for me and I have since made new friends. It made me find my direction in life; helping others and making a difference.

What are your hobbies or special interests?
My hobbies are football and dance.

What is your ideal future career and what does it involve?
I want to have a career in helping young people, creating new opportunities, helping them choose the right path in life and allow them to gain their full potential.

What do you consider to be your strength?
I've had many life experiences at a young age, I find it easy to relate to other young people and understand how hard life can be for some of them. I am a creative person with innovative ideas, I am a good listener and like to take an interest in the future of young people, which I feel are great qualities when it comes to helping people.

What do you consider to be your weakness?
I set my goals slightly too high, I try to do things that I possibly may not be able to do. I am impatient as I like to be able to do everything straight away.

What are your best skills or abilities?
I am a great people person, I will give anything a go and am keen to learn new things. I love working with young people, I find it very rewarding to know that you could have changed a person's life. I find it easy to relate to young people and they find it easy to relate to me.

What would you like to influence or change as a Catch22 Young Adviser?
The negative perceptions of young people, I want the world to know the potential that every young person has. I want to make sure young people have the opportunities they deserve and that they can use these opportunities to better their lives.