Over the next month we are asking various women who are living life of their own terms a series of short questions. The purpose? To highlight that 'success' has a different definition for each and everyone of us, to highlight both our failures and our achievements and to start thinking about how we can each have a positive impact for the future generation....
Life is for the living- that’s how 32 year old Kirsty Scott tries and lives her own life. Having lived abroad as a nipper, there is something innate that says ‘travel…get out there’. Kirsty has always loved spending time with chums and family- what makes her happiest, but is always craving the next adventure and travel. Deciding the gap year in Asia/Australia after uni wasn’t for her, she packed her bag and malaria tablets and headed over to Kenya to volunteer and travel throughout East and South Africa. She then knew the path to take so returned the following year to work for the small volunteer NGO in rural communities in Kenya and Tanzania- which still to this day is the most special and influential time of her life. Coming home feeling sure she would soon be back in Africa (but still hasn’t been back- a constant niggle of hers!) she immersed herself in London life with amazing friends and boyfriend working in corporate and major donor fundraising. Having bagged her dream job with ActionAid UK, her partner, Paul got offered a transfer down the road in Auckland, NZ…there was no doubt about moving there despite a lovely home, amazing friends and family, it was the obvious thing to do. They have been living in Auckland now for over a year and embrace the outdoor life and every day she is thankful and appreciative of the beautiful, safe and relaxed life they lead here. Kirsty is now working as Head of Major Supporter Development for an international development charity, ChildFund New Zealand and LOVES it.
What does success mean to you in 3 words?
Pride, fulfilling relationships and contentment (that is four!)
What’s your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of the ridiculously lovely friends and family I have, in the work sense it has to be working for ActionAid and now for ChildFund and being able to see the impact I help facilitate. In my personal life, my biggest achievement is volunteering in Kenya and then returning to work in East Africa as that shaped the path for me ever after.
What’s your biggest failure?
Staying in a job I didn't believe in for too long but it wasn't a failure as it enabled me to get to my dream job now which I may not have got without. It isn't a failure if you learn from it and share your experience. Very few people have a flawless journey whether it be in their career or personal life, these are what makes us the people we are.
What do you love about yourself most?
I love my friends (does that count?!). This is tricky - I will answer from the perspective of what I think my friends would say about me...probably making people feel at ease and open, not taking life too seriously but keeping it in perspective but mainly being silly and trying to get the most from life!
Whats’ your biggest insecurity?
I have a very big bottom and I get a really sweaty upper lip which is quite anti-social!! I have to say though, I have always been very fortunate to not get bugged down with insecurities (I attribute this to my amazing mum, a childhood of travelling and living abroad as well as playing hockey with people a lot older than me).
What advice would you give someone half your age?
This is tricky as advice to the 16 year old 'me' is different to 16 years old's today. Having re-read my advice, I think this is applicable to people of all ages not just 16-17 year olds.
I would say get outside, appreciate all the world has to offer as well as what is on your doorstep, put down your phone, stop taking selfies for social media but do embrace the inevitable technology revolution. Wearing loads of make up doesn't make you look prettier- natural is the best. Make time for yourself to reflect on what has happened and where you want to go. It is only 'you' who will get you there. When people say 'you are so lucky you live there/have that job etc etc' it is only because I made it happen. Don't beat yourself up if you take a side step or off track from your plan- it is all learning and life experiences. Equally- do not fret if you do not know what you want to study (I didn't either but going to university was one of the best things I have ever done), or what career you want, just be open and honest with yourself.
What is your biggest concern for The Future Generation and what would you do to change this?
My biggest concern is missing out on the rich relationships I had because of social media, smart phones, different role models (is it 'Insta-famous'). Gone are the days of just sitting and chatting and enjoying the moment rather than posing, checking in etc. Self validation is from how many likes/shares you have not on the basis of a close knit group of friends who are your 'friends' not someone who may 'like' your photo but knows nothing about you or what is actually on your mind other than your status. This makes me sad and I think I sound like a moaning old fart but it really concerns me that people will grow up without really having a traditional relationship where you chat nonsense, have a chuckle and it is for no one but you and your friend...not to upload on facebook.
Growing up, we were outside playing ALL the time, not glued to ipads etc (which you see young kids at such a young age now)- this has shifted now to online games and shows. Living in New Zealand is wonderful as feels like going back to those days of children running around freely and safely, and this really makes me happy to see.
Don't get me wrong technology and social media has its place and I definitely check them more than I should and I totally understand its merits and that things change. Hands up too- I resisted social media and technology for a long time and the only one who has suffered now is me as I am not able to keep up and innovate as well as I should do if I had embraced it.
Want to share your story or be part of the AW Q&A series? Let us know at info@above-water.o.uk or like us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @LifeAboveWater
