Mentor Inner Views Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the second in the series of four inner-views with three young adults I mentored 18 years ago at the BBC which charts the journey of our mentoring relationship, their personal views on mentoring and their eventual mentoring of my daughter Aida who is now almost 24. Our second inner-view is with Camille Curtis who works as a Social Inclusion Project officer in the arts. Camille is Mum to two beautiful children of her own, Maya and Dominic.

1. What is your first memory of meeting Jackee?

My first memories of meeting Jackee goes back to the first BBC mentor programme that I was a part of. I remember being in the presence of a woman that was very warm & welcoming yet professional, articulate & organised.

Jackee had a presence about her that I felt was commanding. Whether this was simply her natural beauty & stature or whether it was more than that I can’t say… But I always felt that, this woman had something very special about her.

When she talks, you listen. Her words were powerful, yet soft & nurturing.

2. What did you learn from your time at the BBC?

Firstly – it was so nice to be a part of a multicultural team (students, mentors, guest speakers etc…). That opened my eyes to just how diverse the BBC could be. I really liked having a mentor as well as having a placement.

Through this journey, I/we met so many different people who did varied work. That was beautiful to see. On reflection, I learnt that you have to work hard to achieve success, but it’s possible to break through traditional institutions and leave your mark. Various political internal issues, we weren’t privy to but would reveal themselves as I/we got older – although this is life & happens in many organisations.

The journey also confirmed to be that I did want a creative career. I was attracted to the BBC Mentor scheme originally as I was doing a Btec in media studies.

3. How would you describe your relationship with Jackee over the last 18 years?

WOW!. I almost can’t believe that it has been that long and that it has evolved as it has. Something obviously just clicked between us… I enjoyed being on the Mentor scheme so much that I became a student liaison officer for the next one just to stay in the loop. Here was where I met Toks & Kwadjo…

Now, there were so many interesting individuals on my programme as well as on the second programme which I worked on (with individuals that I’m still contact with) but I don’t know how the four of us connected in such a manner. If my memory serves me right, we just enjoyed each others company as the four of us & maybe we developed it into a focus group…

We would make a point of catching up maybe twice a year and discuss our lives, chart our goals & how we going to achieve them. Through this group we received support, guidance & ideas with how to make our dreams come true.

This was valuable to me & although my friends on the outside of the circle would also offer support there was something unique & special about this arrangement. This relationship has grown & developed over the years in the most organic, natural way.

4. What has stood out most about our time together?

What I particularly love (although I expect this is in all of my relationships) is the honesty & safety I feel that we have with each other.

I almost feel that when Jackee wrote her book and was ordained & we were invited… Our relationship stepped up a gear…. There were a lot of revelations & insight that brought us closer together I feel. This was because; it wasn’t just the three of us revealing ourselves to Jackee asking advice…

There was a turning point when Jackee went from Mentor/Auntie/Elder to Friend/confidant. Maybe we were just that bit older, mature, wiser that we were able to contribute with clear & open eyes.

We all wanted to contribute to this and that is what has made it so unique. It hasn’t been forced… It is wanted….

All I can say is… When I look at the picture of the four of us, all I can do is ‘Smile’.. It brings me so my joy in my heart it’s unreal. Thank you Jackee, Toks & Kwadjo for bringing such joy into my life. This relationship is priceless J.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. How would you describe your relationship with her daughter Aida?

I have a good relationship with Aida but really I’m building my relationship with Aida onto a next level.

More recently Jackee has made me one of her God mothers – this is a real privilege but I need to be on top of my game and get involved. It has been pleasure for me to see & witness Toks & Kwadjo become Aidas God Fathers and to be invited to special occasions in the Holder household.

6. What difference has mentoring made to your life?

I have had many people in my life that have inspired me. This could be over a period of time or simply from hearing them speak once or twice.

Jackee in particular has offered consistency over a period of time & for some reason Jackee has a way of delivering her suggestions and constructive criticism in a way that is easily digestible.

I can be secretly stubborn but I can remember advice that Jackee has given me from the first year or two that I was a student.

Mentoring should support your journey in life, your career, your relationships & confidence.

7. What would you advice young people to look for in a mentor? 

• Someone that you can trust but you will allow them to challenge you
• Good aura – trust your instincts
• Expertise or wisdom in a particular area
• Consistency
• Someone who genuinely is looking out for you

8.What do you believe to be the most important qualities of a great mentor?

• Honesty/keep it real
• Warmth
• Can reflect themselves (they are human too)
• Good communication skills
• Sense of humor. Can laugh at themselves and/or life
• Has lived a life with which they can draw reference from

9. If you had a chance to do anything differently from your life over again what would it be?

To be honest, I don’t have any regrets & every choice that I have made or has been made is for a reason.

For instance, after I did the documentary with Jackie Osei-Tutu and then got involved with MTV, I had my daughter Maya… I took a year out to be a Mother & came out of the media circuit. It was very hard to get back in. Do I regret having my daughter – Did this hinder my personal media career? Maybe or maybe not….

Due to my decisions, I’ve ended up as Social Inclusion Project Co-ordinator managing performing arts & media youth provision for young people that are socially excluded for a range of reasons.

So I’m not making documentaries about life & socially excluded communities but I’m in fact using creativity as a means to re-engage challenging young people who can hopefully have successful lives in the creative industries or simply feel good about themselves.

I find this work very fulfilling & maybe this was my destiny. Mentoring, supporting & showing love is a huge part of the work that I do…. So in answer to your question, No… Not really…