Page 81 - Future Leaders Magazine

JUST GO FOR IT!

Standing ovation: Harriet’s
hard work is honoured at
the end of her ACS show

Star act: Donae’O was
among the big names
Harriet booked to perform

familiar’ stereotype of having to
familiar’ stereotype of having to
either be a doctor, a lawyer or an
engineer. BK suffered some mental health
engineer. BK suffered some mental health
issues, and the showcase also illustrated how
issues, and the showcase also illustrated how
she decided to open up about it to her family,
she decided to open up about it to her family,
“
friends and a therapist. “Recognise how Recognise how o
organised and communicate effectively. rganised and communicate effectively.
I decided to use the university counselling The biggest thing that I learn was the
service to illustrate this, to show any much potential and importance of team morale. Before the
spectators where they could go if they value you have, and fi nal show, we spent some time to have fun,
wanted any support or advice. sing and dance together, this allowed us
University really opened my eyes to work hard to pursue all to let loose, and I think was why we all
mental health issues. For many people, performed to a higher standard.
university is a tough place because it is such your dreams” Don’t get me wrong, not everything
a new experience, and it can become lonely. about planning this show was plain sailing.
For that reason, it is important to have a It was defi nitely the hardest thing I have
strong support network. I have seen people ever done. The fi rst thing that challenged
close to me experience mental health me was the pressure of having to top the
issues, and it made me refl ect on how and so I naturally enjoy negotiating. previous year. The previous year had a
unaware we are about these issues I loved being able to put that skill sold-out show, with Stormzy in attendance,
and how to help those suffering. into practice. so I was very concerned about the high
I also wanted the showcase My events team and I had standard that had been set.
to be a celebration of culture, become very close after I think that this additional pressure was
so we had dances from all over running two events per what motivated me to think bigger, and to
Africa and the Caribbean, in week during Black History start working on the show from as early as
addition to spoken word, and Month. However, the size of possible.
of course performances from those I had to lead during There will be times where you start to
Kojo Funds, Tion Wayne, Afro B the show became a lot bigger. question yourself and doubt your ability.
and even Donae’O! At fi rst, booking I led a cast of approximately But it is very important to remember that
the acts seemed like such a 90 members. It was diffi cult you can achieve anything that you want to,
daunting task. However, to ensure that everybody as long as you put your mind to it.
it was probably one of was in the right It’s so easy to wait for other people’s
my favourite parts place and at the praise before acknowledging your own
about running the right time, but hard work. But why? Recognise how much
show. I am a future that forced potential and value you have, and work
Images: Reminiscence commercial lawyer, me to be hard to pursue your dreams. FL
Photography
2017-18 | FUTURE LEADERS 79