Acting, interviewing and small talk

This week I have had the pleasure of joining step as a work experience student. Becoming part of the team has give me an insight to the complex cog system that keeps this charity running ;through the dedication and resilience of its staff. Being apart of the team, however, did mean I had to sit through the gruelling Monday meeting - where we discovered that Jez cannot make sandcastles!

Through this opportunity I have been able to interact with a variety of people in schools, of whom I would have never encountered otherwise and who pushed me to explore new skills I didn’t know  existed. For example, a Parable lesson at Sandringham  made me use my Year 8 drama skills to act out a scene that showed “love thy neighbour”. Despite the giggles and laughs, I really connected to the students. On a transition day at Townsend, I assured the upcoming year 7’s that change can be good; I was able to judge different characters and boost the confidence of the children I worked with and despite a heated discussion about who has a better friendship: Shrek and donkey or Ant and Dec , I had an amazing time.

I’ve had the chance to develop real life skills in employment. I assisted with the interviewing of new staff , asking pertinent questions and grasping the variety of areas that are key to assess in a job. It gave me a deeper understanding of the openness of step in interviews but also the value of experience when applying to new jobs ( plus how distracting it must have been for the candidates with building work next door).

Me and my partner Janae have also designed and sketched new boards for the end of year celebrations. Which I encourage you to join next week! I hope you can come and see our drawings and colourings that celebrate our dedicated volunteers.

Overall I’ve expanded my confidence with young people, my ability to be strict but fair, my artistic skills but most importantly my small talk. An essential corporate attribute. I know I’ve come away from Step experienced and the more wiser - with 1647 book recommendations from Terrie and Chris. Thank you the Step team for taking me in, I’ve had a lovely time!