Yulu: Making Change for the Environment
Alumni Agent Yulu developed Eco-Kids, when she was part of The Agency of Change Southampton (produced by Energise Me)
Before Yulu joined the Agency in 2021, she was an unassured 17-year-old college student who chose Pharmacy as her university degree. However, that choice was ripping her apart inside as she knew she wanted to do something more. She had a burning desire for environmental and social justice and was deeply moved by people's stories on how the climate issues were affecting their lives. One evening, she was approached by the Agency project manager of Southampton in a youth club, asking if she wanted to participate in the Agency to "have £2000 to turn your idea into a reality". But she was skeptical as it was the first time this project was running in Southampton and she honestly thought it was a scam and it seemed too good to be true. However, one of the youth workers said she would sign up with her so they did together. It was one of the best decisions she's ever made.
Her project was called Eco-Kids. It is a workshop-based project which educates young people about the climate crisis as well as being environmental stewards through mini-games, repurposing used materials and a litter picking event. It was a project that she collaborated with another Agent, Patrycia. They worked very well together in creating budgets and timelines but encountered a challenge where Patrycia had to leave for university in the middle of Cycle 2 and there were logistical parts she had to complete by herself and some sessions she'd have to deliver alone. However, working together was very valuable as they learned to negotiate and fill in for each other when needed. Key moments that stood out in the Agency are when community leaders and figures would come in to listen to their voices and be sincerely interested in their stories and work. The Agency provided so many opportunities which allowed her to attend important funding meetings, speak in front of an audience and share her passion for creating a positive impact in the community.
"Before The Agency, I did not think I was able to make a change as a young person. I thought I'd had to go through university first, and then I have to get like a PhD or whatever and then graduate and then get a job. But no, you can't actually just start at your first step, you know, and it just really. It relies on your bravery and you being able to step into an opportunity and actually take it. So my insecurity was definitely, like, not thinking that one was not able to do something at the age of 17." - Yulu
She's become more courageous in herself and what she's striving for. The Agency ultimately became a pivotal step in changing her university course to Environmental Science and Management. The Agency watered the sprout inside of her, to have confidence to be a changemaker. It nurtured her and gave her the opportunities to grow her professional skills as well as her voice. She hopes to transfer these skills into her future career so that she can truly serve and have a positive impact on people's lives.
She is currently a third-year uni student studying a year abroad in Australia. The Agency has influenced her future plans as it made her realise what her passion is and opened her eyes to how the creative sector plays a vital role in community development and impact. Though she's studying a science path, she's still using the creative tools the Agency has taught her in her studies and approaching the working world.
“If you’re thinking of getting involved in The Agency, don’t hesitate. Your worldview will broaden and you will see how lives are being changed for the better. I wish every young person can have a chance to be a part of The Agency. It’s truly life-changing.” - Yulu