Tower and Town, September 2019

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TTV Experience

For me, Thriving Through Venture was an amazing opportunity that I will never forget. I made unbelievable memories with the best friends.

I remember the day I was chosen to be on the programme. Not completely sure what was ahead of me, I was apprehensive but excitement was definitely the overwhelming feeling. The first meeting was interesting – I knew no one on the programme really, so I was undeniably nervous about what would happen, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be introduced to. We got to know each other so fast and instantly became friends.

Every meeting seemed better than the last as we got closer and made more memories, as well as getting better at our tasks. I always had an enjoyment of writing but my group leader, Colin, allowed me to love it and feel a new passion for it.

The people I interviewed – both in the UK and the Gambia – changed my perception about a lot of things. Hearing their stories allowed me to imagine a different life, whether it was 50 years ago or in another country, but every story touched me in some way. Not only was I taken in by how they spoke, I was so humbled by the fact they chose to share their stories with me.

The trip to the Gambia was completely surreal, something so outside of my comfort zone, but something so special and hard to put into words; no one can truly know what it is like until they visit. Although people have much less over there, they don’t just survive: they live, and they live to the fullest. It was an incredible thing to see and I’m honoured I got to experience a part of the world in that way.

Although it has almost been a year since I visited, I can remember everything so clearly – the ups and the downs – both making it such an incredible experience. I wish that everyone had the chance to experience what I did, but I know they can’t, so I am so grateful for the opportunity and am so passionate about talking about it for others to even get a glimpse into what I got from the programme.

Hopefully Thriving Through Venture can help so many more people my age gain a new outlook on life and I can’t thank all the people involved enough for – as cliché as it sounds – a life-changing experience.

Ellie Beal