3 Key Moments

Throughout my work base learning, I have been required to identify three key moments which have changed , challenged or confirmed a career path for myself.

I have decided to choose one of each , a placement that has challenged me , changed my ideas of what i want to , and confirmed where my passions really lie!

Changed- Healthy lifestyles-(Filming)

When I got offered experience making an educational film, teaching children about Healthy lifestyles I jumped at the chance! To me, I had always considered filming to be glamorous, and fun, ignorance is bliss!

I soon realised the days were long, repetitive and tiring! At first I didn’t mind repeating the scene but after the 10^th time, I was getting tired and both physically and mentally drained.

The process was long and I often found myself sitting around for periods of times between scene shots. I also did not realise I would have to wear the same outfit for three consecutive days and keep my hair the same! I really wish I choose a more comfortable outfit and didn’t straighten my hair!

Through my experience I would not lightly partake in filming again, as the process includes long hours, with lots of energy required! I did however enjoy working with the children and learning about how to live a healthy lifestyle. As mentioned before career wise I want to consider working within the community both with children and adults.

Challenged- Kent’s Cavern- (Questions children ask)

One of my key moments that made me question my career course was Kent’s Cavern. 

Being an Elf I had to stay in characters at all times and sometimes deals with tricky questions that were asked by the children! 

Many asked if I would be visiting them with Santa and if I knew what their house looked like, how old I am etc. I also had to ask the children what they would like from Santa for Christmas some answers were simple ‘a mars bar!’ some were hopeful ‘a Ferrari’  and one little 4 year old boy nearly broke my heart, when I asked him what he would like.

“For my brother to come home” To which I found out by his father that his brother had passed away just months before! I was completely stuck for words and felt like crying as the father explained that Santa couldn’t make that happen and then the little boy whispered “But Santa can make anything happen, he’s magic ... The elf said if I wish really hard it might come true!”

This was a situation I would not want to be in again, I felt awkward as I was ‘lying’ to the children about Santa, and knew half the things they were asking for they wouldn’t get.

Each time they gave me a wish that they had carefully retreated, I would hide it back in the sandbox a minute later!

The placement was certainly challenging, I would rather educate children than provide ‘entertainment’ for them. I thoroughly enjoy working with children so this has made me question my career path for the future. I would eventually like to set up my own workshop dealing with confidence issues for children/teens and coping with pressures they may face.

Confirmed- Working within the community (All of them)

All of my work based learning experiences required me to work within the local community offering a service of some sort. I really enjoyed interacting with the public and meeting new people. I certainly think I am a people person and come across as friendly and approachable.

I have always wanted to ‘help’ people in some way or another from a young age, and using drama in the community would be great for doing this!

I enjoy teaching and sending out a message I’m passionate about, this has made me consider working within forum theatre, I would love to work for a professional company.

When I explore a subject I’m passionate about it, it project onto both research and practical work. This is evident within my Final Major project, exploring the media’s perception of a feminine ideal.

My WBL experiences , have made me look into potential jobs I could undertake within the community , and I have come across a few which I think would be ideal for myself.

• ·         Workshop Facilitator
• ·         Forum theatre- Actor/Director
• ·         Charity Fundraiser
• ·         Event’s Organiser
• ·         Touring educational theatre to schools/vulnerable groups