I’m Sarah, Babbasa’s Communications Lead I manage all of Babbasa’s Social Media Platforms, make all of the eye-catching content and I ensure our Corporate partners, Community partners, young people, the whole of Bristol, (and whoever else wants to know) hears about all of the amazing work we do at Babbasa. If I wasn’t working with Babbasa I would love to have been a Youth Ambassador or part of Babbasa’s Challenge Programme.
If I had to describe myself in three words it would be: creative, empathetic and a proper Northern lass!
The last big challenge I had to overcome, which sadly a lot of young people can relate to, was having to graduate right in the midst of the pandemic. I lost my accommodation in Bristol and my graduate job and had to move back home – which felt like taking a big step backwards! It was very challenging applying for jobs when so many were being discontinued and I started to give up hope. However, I found that Linkedin and other social media platforms and online communities were great places to not only network with employers, but other young people who were also experiencing the detrimental effects of the pandemic. As I come from a working-class background, and I’m from a small town with very few work and networking opportunities, I was really grateful to have access to opportunities via social media – which led me to Babbasa!
One of the many things I love about being part of Babbasa is that everyone in the team has their own unique perspective and comes from different places in life. Everyone is warm, welcoming, and deeply committed to levelling out the playing field for our under-represented youth in Bristol. I was drawn to Babbasa when I heard Poku, our CEO, speak at a Tedx talk at UWE. He spoke about the importance of representation and access to opportunities for young people in Bristol. I admired his honesty and the fact he emphasised a need for kindness. Working at Babbasa has taught me about the strength of people and communities when they come together and that the key to a great organisation is when everyone within it is committed to its values.
My advice to young people is to learn from times where you may not be successful, or you feel you have failed at something. These are valuable learning experiences when you really learn about and understand yourself. Looking back, I’m so grateful for all the times I was unsuccessful at something as I feel I am a much more well-rounded and resilient person because of it!