“Trust your intuition. Allow yourself the freedom of expression. I’d say that for people to let themselves be themselves a little bit more and stop worrying about what other people think, just go for it.” – says Cristelle as part of the message for youth in the world today.
My journey began in 2017 with the ABT course. I’m a social worker basically, have been for 24 years. I didn’t see myself as somebody who is into the arts as such. While working with young girls in my organization, I saw a young volunteer being triggered by one of our sessions and other than being there and caring for her, I felt that I could be doing other things, but I didn’t know what. After the course, I was running a home for abused pregnant teenagers. And I was able to use it within our sessions on a regular basis found it to be very, very effective.
Then, I came onboard for API (as faculty) right away after a training. So API has been about working with groups on an emotional basis. I’ve been using the idea of Arts Practices for Inclusion and including it in other things that we do. I appreciate being asked back each year because I love it all. It’s been a complete journey with people – some who were my teachers and now, are dear friends. It’s been a lot of fun. And I love them to bits.
(on bringing oneself to the space) I think I’m unfiltered sometimes, so I tell things as I see them; a lot of compassion, empathy, a different perspective to things and life experience, perhaps. I think the whole collaboration has helped me enormously in a lot of spheres. I feel I’m overflowing with ideas. It makes me see things from a different perspective. I’d obviously love it to continue and see API grow up and grow out; and continue to be a part of it for as long as possible.
What is Humans of SF?
This is a series on the humans of SF; an attempt to celebrate each of the people who make Snehadhara whole. Novelist Anne Sewell said “It is good people who make good places.” And amongst the many good people in this world, there are some here at Snehadhara who make up this good place. We are ecstatic to bring to you glimpses of the Snehadhara team. Join us as we delve into the stories of people who stand for SF.