I’m Sian, I’m 23 years old and I’m currently part of the Wild Swans’ programme which is taking young women on a journey of learning about themselves and how to become leaders in their own personal lives.
When I first heard about Wild Swans, I couldn’t wait to get started and find out what it was all about. I really felt it had come at a great time in my life; currently working in local government and not sure which career route I wanted to take, I thought this would be a brilliant opportunity for me to learn more about adopting more of a leadership role in what I do as well as meeting other young women who were also hoping to learn similar things.

Two seminars down and it’s been brilliant. Our first seminar was an overnight camping trip.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled my car into the Wilderness Foundation driveway in Chatham Green… so I suppose it’s fair to say I was a little apprehensive. Well, there was no need for me to be. The girls and Jo from Wilderness Foundation were all so welcoming and I soon felt relaxed. We had such a brilliant evening and were blessed to be joined by Justine Laymond who chatted to us about her incredible story. Justine had a double lung transplant; I was so inspired by her story and the fact that she is so thankful for every day and will happily take on any challenge. I couldn’t believe what she has been through and I admire her for the fact that she is so positive about everything. The rest of the night was fun… I think the highlights for me were probably ‘how many layers can you get from one marshmallow’ (thanks for teaching us that Jo) as well as the lovely dinner (thanks to Louise!) the night walk and scary dogs in the pitch black.
The 2nd seminar which took place on the Saturday just gone was also great; it was so good to meet up again and spend the day outside talking about the importance of communication and especially being led blindfolded to a tree in the forest by our other Wild Swans friends…!
I’m really enjoying the programme so far and I find myself looking forward to each seminar as it approaches. I’ve already learnt so much about myself in the 2 sessions we’ve had, I wonder what activities the next one will have in store for us!