Diana

Which Scarf program did you take part in?

Autumn Scarf '19 at The Rochey. 

Which country were you born in?

Iraq.

How did you hear about Scarf and why did you apply for the program?

I found out through friends, and I wanted to get an experience to find a job.

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Before you applied for Scarf, what was your experience of job-hunting?

I'd been looking for a job for almost a year. I've been told so many times from so many places that I applied for, that I'm not good enough and I don't have experience. This made me feel so bad about myself and start questioning about my future and overthinking it.    

Was the Scarf program what you expected? Or were there parts of it that surprised you? If so, why?

There were those parts that make me surprise of the skills that I have and how much I am improving and developing and being more confident day by day. In addition, seeing that there are people really care about young people from migrant and refugee background and trying as much as they can to help them to find a job, that makes me really feel that I am in the right place.  

What was the most valuable thing you got from participating in Scarf?

Networking and getting experience. 

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The Autumn Scarf '19 team of trainees outside The Rochey. Photo: Linsey Rendell. 

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Do you think working with a mentor is a positive thing? If so, why?

Absolutely yes. I think having a mentor support you, answering whatever question you got makes you more comfortable and confident while you work.

Did the Scarf program help to increase your confidence? If so, why?

Yes, it does. As English is my third language so I didn't have that confidence to talk with customers but, while I was doing a training sessions before we got to work, I learned a lot and then I try to us the skills while I am working so my confidence started to increase and my mentor helps me a lot also. 

Having a mentor support you, answering whatever question you got makes you more comfortable and confident while you working. I try to us the skills while I am working so my confidence started to increase and my mentor helps me.

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Learning the three plate carry from Scarf volunteer mentor and trainer, Gabriel. Photo: Linsey Rendell. 

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Tell us about the first job you got after you finished Scarf?

As I remember before the Scarf graduation, I got an offer from Jonny [Scarf’s Restaurant Manager at the time] who is a manager in the European Group. I started working as a waiter in events at The European/Spring Street Events straight after I finished the program, working about 15 hours a week. 

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Diana worked at Scarf's Do More Than Dine '19 fundraising dinner. Photo: Samee Lapham. 

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Tell us what you like about this job?

The multitasking. Starting to have more knowledge about alcohol especially wine, and I like the environment, it's so friendly. 

What have you been doing since leaving Scarf?

I'm studying Dental Assisting, doing my placement in the morning and working nights at The European. 

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The legendary graduates who worked at Do More Than Dine '19 with Matt Preston. Photo: Samee Lapham. 

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Have you been involved in anything else at Scarf since you graduated? 

Yes, I worked at Do More Than Dine '19 and met Matt Preston. It was such a great opportunity. 

Do you have any words of advice for other young people who are interested in participating in Scarf?

If you are looking for a job, Scarf is the first station that you should start your journey with. The skills that you will get from Scarf are not just for a job but also for your life journey. Just take this step and you will be grateful.

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Hear more from Diana in this video from Do More Than Dine '19:

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NB: Diana answered these questions via email in December 2019. Portrait photo: Linsey Rendell