The Rocking Ur Teens 2021 Teen Girls Online Conference kicked off with the usual impact and anticipation. Whilst a rousing soundtrack played out, images of global female leaders filled the screen. The intro finished with a fantastic quote: “Whilst the world has been distracted, change has been happening anyway. The women are coming”.
The warm and energetic Remel London was first to welcome the attendees, confirming that the Conference was to celebrate the recent International Women’s Day, and to offer the Conference theme of “Choose to Change – Embrace the Challenge”. Remel then went on to introduce the first online guest speaker.
Insipiring Vanessa shared her thoughts and inspiration, connecting with the attendees based on being 14 years of age herself. Vanessa encouraged the attendees to consider 3 steps to self-belief and confidence – to accept insecurities; practice self-validation; and have vision. What you might consider to be flaws could be things that others love about you. Be proud of yourself, express gratitude and be thankful for yourself. Create a plan, put it into action, but make sure you always be yourself.
Remel then hosted online Q&A for Vanessa, before the attendees then went to Online Breakout Rooms.
[ Breakout Room – Meera Sharma ]
Meera’s theme was how to channel your Inner Sass. Meera uses her platform to create stronger female representation, by encouraging others to work towards their best life, to stay motivated, and create the career and lifestyle they really want. Meera’s advice was to set goals; create an accomplishment and gratitude list, whilst focusing on being adaptable if goals change, and to utilise the personal tools you have to achieve your goals.
The next tip was to stay motivated; by creating a positive environment and focusing on positive hobbies or skills, you would have a stronger sense of achievement. The final tip was to have a Sassy Mindset; read inspiring quotes – one of Meera’s favourite quotes is “Rejection is Redirection” – it is the Universe’s way of telling you to take another route.
A Q&A session followed, hosted by a Rocking Ur Teens Volunteer, before we switched back to the Main Room, where Remel was waiting to greet attendees, give some School shout-outs and sum up the messages so far.
There then followed Breakout Mentor sessions.
[ Sarah Whelan from Dr Martens and Sukhi Raikmo from Shell. ]
Both shared their experiences of how they came to achieve their goals in their careers, from their time at school through to day-to-day life in their respective work roles. Sarah’s advice was to look into a career that linked to personal interest; in her case it was her love of music and skill at creating social media content.
Sukhi’s advice was to look at your strengths and passion, whilst also tackling something you dislike every day, so you learn to like it and tackle it.
A varied Q&A followed, asking Sarah and Sukhi a range of questions, from the importance of going to University, to ways to manage time.
Back in the Main Room, Remel then went on to introduce the next guest speaker.
Boo Kartawick took the attendees through some yoga and breathing exercises from her “Calm and Stretch” programme. Boo complimented the attendees on their awareness of the importance of mental health, and the benefits of creating a regular gentle routine as part of everyday life.
Boo asked some thought provoking questions; What do you have to do every day or every week to feel mentally well? What is non-negotiable? What do you need or want to do? Write it down.
Boo then gave 3 tips. Remember the importance of nature and being outside. Use your wisdom to recognise symptoms of when you need help, and act on them. Revive yourself with 7 pillars of self-care; knowledge and health literacy – mental wellbeing – physical activity – healthy eating – risk avoidance – good hygiene – rational use of products and services. Boo finished with the reminder that “You Are Enough” and that if anything makes you feel bad, step away from it.
Remel then gave a rousing and motivating summary of the morning’s speakers, the key points, and thanked everyone who had tuned in. Some of the viewing locations mentioned were Cardiff, Newcastle, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southampton, London plus many more, including as far afield as Grenada!
The Conference Finale was presented by the energetic Parbati Chaudhury from Dance West, who took on the brilliant task of showing us a step-by-step dance routine, which she then put together for a spectacular performance with a great dance track – a great way to finish a great Conference!
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