Mentoring Has Helped Me Write Some Of My Best Work Yet
When I discovered I was lucky enough to be given a Koestler Arts mentor, I was overjoyed. It was, in my mind, the first step towards a new life and I was so nervous.
I had no formal education and was terrified of looking like an idiot who could write poetry but had absolutely no understanding or appreciation for other poets. My mentor was the first person to honestly critique my poetry and I found it challenging, both emotionally and mentally.
Working with my mentor has given me the courage to explore my abilities, and his guidance on looking outside in has helped me write some of my best work to date. I have come so far in just a short space of time, and I don’t think it would have been possible without his support and encouragement.
I have performed my poems at Southbank Centre, and have had my two Koestler Award winning poems on display at Turner Contemporary in Margate and one at the Supreme Court.
Koestler Arts have given me this amazing opportunity. The work they do is invaluable to people like me who wouldn’t otherwise be given a chance.
