On Tuesday 25th January 2011, Urban Synergy held another successful Role Model Seminar at Forest Hill School ( a specialist school for the performing arts). Over 220 spent the evening listening, questioning and conversing with a wide range of professionals. The event was organised and hosted by Urban Synergy Volunteer Sue Watson. The evening commenced with a 5 inspirational speakers, who spoke about their life journeys, provided the audience with some insight to their professions and gave their top tips for success. Some of the tips included the importance of networking, following your passion and working hard to achieve your goal.
The Panel
- Courtenay Griffiths QC – Head of Garden Court Chambers
- Lanre Sulola – Chartered Accountant and Performance Poet
- Adrian Grant – Writer & Director of the West End show ‘Thriller Live’
- Dr Charlie Easmon – No.1 Harley Street
- Alrick Riley – Director (Spooks & The Hustle)
The panel discussion included a Q& A session, followed by an hour of speed mentoring where the panellists and 40 volunteer role models took questions and provided insight into their own professions.
Feedback from the pupils
Rhys 16yrs ‘Getting to your goal takes hard work and you have to get past many different barriers. Everyone should attend this opportunity, adults and students.’
Jerome 15yrs – ‘No matter what obstacles you encounter you can still do what you want to do regardless of your background, if you’re willing to work hard. Urban Synergy provides a lot of inspiration to students and allows them to strive towards what they want more.’
Jonathan 15yrs – ‘It’s a great opportunity to help young people get on the right path. It also motivates and inspires you to go the extra yard.’
Myles 16yrs – ‘Boundaries can always be broken no matter how big. Inspiration and self-fulfilment is key.’
Nathan 15yrs said – ‘You can achieve anything as long as you believe it. Knuckle down while you have the opportunity.’
Gerard 16yrs – ‘You should plan ahead and always follow your passion.’
Tatenda 16yrs – ‘Everything you do in life is a stepping stone and you can achieve anything you put your mind to.’
Oluwatobi 16yrs – ‘The seminar was ‘sick’ (very good), I have never been to anything like this – it was fantastic.’
Alex 14yrs – Urban Synergy are really inspirational, helpful, almost empowering.’
Urban Synergy Role Model Seminars are a wonderful opportunity for young people to speak to professionals from different industries and find out what qualifications and attributes are needed to succeed in the working world. The event often inspires and motivates the young people who take part to work hard, pursue further education and in some cases decide what profession they would like to do in the future.
We would like to thank Sharon Geer and Steve Brady for allowing Urban Synergy to host the event at Forest Hill School and all our Urban Synergy Volunteer role models for attending and sharing their experiences.
