This photo came up in my memories just a few days ago. A production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with my tutors and fellow students. It was way back when I was at Hull College studying Acting.
I shared this story on my profile and felt it should go further, especially as I’ve received responses from all three of my tutors from the National Diploma.
This is why I didn’t waste my past experiences in life.
Whilst I was in college I didn’t believe in myself, my mum had instilled in me that I needed a fall back plan because it’s unlikely that this career path would work out for me. It wasn’t just my mum though, but the school system and others around me.
I applied for a gap year in Youthwork and decided not to apply for anything in Acting. I was absolutely gutted when I received some pretty awesome grades from my diploma in Acting. However, I thought to myself that I would carry on with what I had decided and maybe come back to it. I went on to study youthwork at the University of Chester. I found myself doing acting within this, being a part of acting groups and I worked with young people with drama.
My life went in a different direction as most know. I fell into an abusive relationship for several years and I felt my life was on hold. I didn’t progress in myself or with any kind of career.
However, the last several years of building myself back up after fleeing that abusive relationship has given me an appreciation for life. The last two years have been a big game changer for me and I believe in myself. I’ve made sure I take advantage of my freedom and really worked on my self development.
I’ve taken away the negative support in my life, those who said I couldn’t make it or achieve it. In anything I have chosen, I have not stuck to a ‘normal’ job or typical ‘career path’ that the school system encourages. I’m not saying that those paths are wrong or bad but it simply wasn’t right for me. If my creativity had of been encouraged who knows where I would be? If someone had have told me they believed in me, motivated me and backed me- where would I be?
I may not be the actor I wanted to be in my childhood and teens but those experiences have helped me today. Those skills have been put into practice when I speak at events in the UK or happen to appear in the news or on a documentary. They appear in events I host or interviews I facilitate.
That experience wasn’t a waste of time because it only made me certain of who I was meant to be.
If I could go back in time and give myself a message it would be “Believe in yourself and surprise those who don’t believe you can do it”.
I’ve surprised myself in the last two years and I hope it’s turned the heads of those who said I couldn’t do it.
I certainly don’t have a typical day at work in my self-employment. I’m never bored and there’s a different sense of achievement when something works. My hope is that my children see that there are options and that I pass on the message that dreams can be goals.
So my message to you today is, whatever has happened in your life… it’s not a waste! It can equip you with what you need to make it happen. Believe in yourself because that’s the number one person you need to convince. If you can’t do that, I’m waving a flag with your name on it and I will personally cheer you on.
You never know, there may be an opportunity to do some acting in the future and live the dream I had. I have done some odd jobs throughout the last few years and enjoyed every minute.
I received so many nice comments on this long form post which is certainly a blog worthy post. Three of those replies came from those who taught me at Hull College and I felt I should include them here, they moved me to tears.
Peter – I remember you well Jennifer and you were part of a strong year group. You were unsure of your own abilities, but gradually grew in confidence. You had such a passion and cared so much. All the team that taught you then have now left Hull college, but it was a special team and a time we remember fondly that shared their passion. Many of our students don’t always go into the Arts, but they do thrive and find their place. I’m so pleased that you have now found yours and proud we were able to be a part of your journey. Everyone who knocks the value of the arts should read your inspirational story, this is why we teach it.
Scott Solway– This is such a wonderful story. Many students come in a little unsure of themselves and their abilities, I’m sure that it’s safe to say that you were in this bracket Jenny. But you always had the ability to develop, a big outstanding element of your life was that you cared about others. I think I can say on behalf of all the team that taught you and your year group (who were hugely talented by the way) that whilst it was an acting course, and acting skills and stagecraft were learnt, our sole aim was always to try and make students better, better people and prepared for everyday life in the big wide world, not just the arts. I can name numerous students over the years who arrived meek and mild, and left completely different people. The arts isn’t always about being a performer, but the understanding of teamwork, personal development, and the skills to thrive in the outside world. We also learn from personal experiences too, and you have certainly found your niche in the world. I and the rest of the team may have only been a small part of your journey, but don’t forget, you were also part of ours too, and we thank you for that. We teach arts and performance for a reason, if some become performers, great, if some become husbands and wives and have families, fantastic, if some find themselves in something different and make achievements in life, like you have, then that’s outstanding. The most important thing is that the arts help people, especially youngsters, develop in so many different ways. Your story is inspirational, everyone should read and know about it, and the fact that the arts has played a part and helped you become the person that you are speaks volumes. Just know on behalf of all of the team that taught you, we are all very proud of you. X
Lucy Francis– This is great to hear and I hope your confidence and self belief continues to grow and guide you to even more achievements. I always bang on about the many and varied advantages of studying acting in whatever profession students choose. The communication skills and interpersonal skills and perception are all key to being a successful, empathetic and mindful colleague.
I don’t think they will ever know how much those messages in response mean to me but it’s something I won’t forget. There was a familiar pattern with them and it certainly shows their individual and collective passion as well as how they remember me.
My experience was never a waste and as a friend has said to me many times, I’ve turned my pain into a purpose.
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