Eloise, 17

Eloise joined the Reprezent Leaders project late summer 2010. She was a naturally bright and bubbly person, but lacked confidence in her abilities and was unsure of where to focus her energy. She was about to drop out of college, and felt insecure about her future.

The project allowed Eloise to explore and develop herself as well as learn new skills. She was apprehensive at about working with people she didn’t know.

“In the last six months I’ve learnt a lot of new skills - how to work with young people from different areas and backgrounds. I’ve learnt how to put together presentations and to feel like I know what I am talking about. I am much less nervous now, when I have to stand up in front of people I don’t know. I can even pick up the phone and call people I don’t know now!”

Eloise started volunteering more regularly with Reprezent and took up a self-motivated work placement.

“Working with Reprezent has really helped me focus, knowing what I want to do as a career now has helped me broaden my horizons and made me see that I do need to go back to college. The confidence I’ve gained has helped me change my course rather than just dropping out.”

Eloise is now part of ‘Young Talent’ team, which aims to raise the profile of positive young people in the area. She’s added to her practical skills base, creating short documentaries and features as a Reprezent journalist, supporting ongoing campaigns at the station.

 “My hopes are to get a career in radio, keep supporting other young people through the station and to carry on building up and achieving as much as possible.”