Demornay has written us a blog about her experiences of this year’s Catalyst Bootcamp.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Demornay and I am 20 years old. I live in Birmingham and have recently moved into student housing. I am a third year student of pharmacy at the University of Birmingham. My current hobbies include sketching, listening to music and playing sports (particularly badminton).
What would your dream job be?
My dream job is not something that is set in stone, but I know it revolves around making a difference to people’s lives through social sustainability, which links with my degree in many ways. I have thought about a career in the United Nations as something that would be amazing.
Why did you come on the Catalyst Bootcamp?
I came to the Catalyst Bootcamp because I felt that my involvement in it would definitely improve me and my outlook on the future – in terms of sustainability – and my purpose in life.
What was your overall experience of it?
The program came at a very beneficial time for me going forward. While I was there I woke up excited for what each day would bring and to hear the ideas of the amazingly determined young women around me. I learnt more about myself, my values, got closer to my purpose and felt more confident in the strengths that others see in me, which was a lovely thing. It encouraged me to stay aware of what is around us, the environment, and not to doubt the impact young women can make in this field.
What three things did you like about it most?
The three things I enjoyed most were; the workshop on purpose that led into an afternoon focusing on mindfulness in the woods, the African dancing and the evening presentation of everyone’s amazing ideas for sustainable practice.
Has it had any impact on your day-to-day behaviour?
I reflect a lot more and use the Life SAVERS we learnt. As this encourages me to wake up in the morning with a positive outlook for the day and is important as a grounding exercise for me now.
Would you recommend the Bootcamp to a friend?
I would tell a friend to take part if they are doubting themselves and looking to open a door to realise their strengths and power. Also if you want to learn about sustainability and feel empowered by the real-life examples of women being brilliant. Basically there is a lot to gain and nothing to lose so take the leap!
What is the mentoring like?
The experience of mentoring so far has been pleasant. My mentor is a lovely woman and she continues to check up on me and how I am achieving the goals I set out for myself. It helps me to not forget some of my core goals when many things are going on at once.
Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Thanks to everyone at Catalyse Change and the sponsors. I would love to see the Catalyst Bootcamp expand as its lessons are so valuable.
What would you like to say to our programme sponsors?
Thank you so much. Without the support from this bursary it would have been more difficult for me to attend and reap the benefits from the program that I did. I learnt a lot, and got to speak to brilliant people. It’s so great to see that things like this have been made available for people from all backgrounds and that there are organisations willing to support it, so thank you once again!
To find out more and book a place on this year’s programme please visit www.catalysechange.com
