Lina El-Habti – 2025 Leaver

Now studying Sport and Exercise Science BSc at Middlesex University

Lina left Clarion in September 2025 to begin her next chapter at Middlesex University, studying Sport and Exercise Science BSc. She was an engaged member of the Clarion community, who supported community events in school, including charity events. She also contributed to the growth of an active and successful basketball community, which has gone on to develop a number of student players who now represent both teams in Barnet and also London Elite Basketball Club.

Since beginning her undergraduate studies, she has become a productive player on the Middlesex Basketball Team and one of the top scorers in women’s university basketball. She kindly gave her time to speak with us and share some of her lessons since beginning university and reflections on her time at Clarion. We are extremely grateful for her sitting down to talk with us.

• Looking back, what did sixth form teach you academically or personally that you didn’t expect to use, but found useful in your first year?

I feel like independence is key. You shouldn’t really rely on your tutors to spoon-feed you. Take advantage of directed study, because you can’t really rely on the in-class hours you have during the week. There’s a lot of independent study that you need to complete during your own time.

• Were there any skills or habits you developed at school that gave you an advantage in your first year?

Yes, especially in basketball. Taking initiative and being proactive really makes a huge difference. You learn pretty quickly that if you don’t step up, the entire team feels it. It’s the same with group projects at university, you absolutely can’t just sit back in hopes that someone else will take charge. Be the one who sets the pace and gets things organised.

• What was the biggest challenge of your first year and how did sixth form prepare you for it?

There is a drastic difference between the workload you get in sixth form and in university. Again, I’m going to emphasise on directed study. I can’t stress enough how important it is to build practice in using this time.

• How did guidance you received from staff, whether on UCAS, subject choices, or general advice, shape you and support you?

Confidence is definitely key. Mr. Kohana taught me there’s no point being overly harsh on yourself as mistakes are factors of growth and improvements. You’ve got to stay confident, reset, and take the next shot.

• What would you tell your Year 12 self, from who you are now and what you’ve learnt?

Definitely take risks and don’t be afraid to not play it safe. Again, you miss 100% of the opportunities that you don’t take. Which is actually translated from basketball: if I don’t take the shot, I’m 100% going to miss it, but if I take the shot, it’s a 50/50% chance. You always still have time.

• What was one of your favourite things about your time while you were at Clarion?

I feel like the basketball community grew a lot when I was in school. That really helped me socialise with a lot of other people with the same interests as me. That’s how I made two of my best friends that I’ve known for over six years now.