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Elsa Medd-Stengel

Creative Communities Co-Ordinator

As a teenager…

As teenager academics where not my strong suit, I struggled a lot in school with ADHD and Dyslexia, along with never quite feeling like I fit in.  I found a lot of comfort and joy in more creative and hands-on activities. Being in Lancaster was a great place to access this. I spent a lot of time in drama clubs’ nature, playing music and crafting. Though I wouldn’t say I was particularly skilled in any of those areas.
Tapping into the wide range of clubs and community centres in Lancaster was a great way for me to build my confidence and feel a part of something.

 

 

After School…

I went to college for a short time but quickly realized that wasn’t the path for me so started working in various cafes including being a chef. I set my heart on saving to travel which eventually led me to travel around Europe and later Australia and Canada. Quite impressive for a shy and anxious teenager if I do say so myself.
Once back from my travels I worked in a residential care home which sparked my joy in working in youth work. Whilst I completed an access to high education course, I eventually decided neither of these were the right path for me, but I learnt a lot which has led me to now.

 

 

And Now…

Combining my love for the arts and for youthwork I am grateful to become a part of the team at Escape2Make. I am so excited to be able to give back to the Lancaster community in a way I found so helpful as a teen. 

5 bits of advice to my teenage self…

  • Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself
  • Life is a lot bigger than high school there is so much more to see and do. It's just around the corner.
  • Utilize the opportunities you have! If you try something and don’t like it you don’t have to pursue it, the fact you tried and you put yourself out there is what matters. 
  • Making mistakes isn’t a bad thing and nether is making the wrong decision. It's how we learn and how we find where we want to go. 
  • Art can’t be good or bad. And ether way it doesn’t matter. We do art because we enjoy it not for the result. 

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