Happy 1 Year Work Anniversary to Tahlena & Damaris

Everyone at OLM would like to say thank you to Tahlena, our Employability and Development Coach, and Damaris, our Programme Delivery Facilitator, for their hard work, dedication, and passion over the past year. 

We asked them to both give us a recap of how they found their 1st year working with us and what they are looking forward to going into their next year…

Tahlena:

As my work anniversary approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve genuinely enjoyed my role at Open Lens Media. Being part of a team committed to meaningful change has been incredibly fulfilling — knowing that the work we do can positively impact someone’s life gives real purpose to each day. As a mentor, it’s especially rewarding to support the growth, confidence, and aspirations of the young adults we work with.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity, understanding, and space I’ve been given to grow — not just professionally, but personally. When you’re trusted and supported in an environment that allows you to thrive, it naturally shapes how you support others. That kind of growth is powerful — and contagious. It helps us show up fully for the young people we serve, and empowers them to believe in their own potential.

Because when people are seen, supported, and trusted, they begin to flourish — and flourishing people create flourishing communities. 

That’s the kind of change that lasts.

Damaris:

It's been a year already!! Time has flown while working at Open Lens Media. I still remember when I started and was finding my feet and flow as a facilitator and navigating what it looks like to show up authentically. Who knew that 3 years later after being filmed for the 1 in 1 million series in 2021 that I would have progressed so far and have the incredible opportunity of now working with such an amazing team.

In a year I have been able to journey with participants on the Pathways Programme; having the honour of seeing them grow in confidence, feel supported through employment and moving forward into higher education. I have had the honour of taking lead and assisting in delivering sessions at external organisations such as Aaina Hub and The Way as well as being equipped through training to better my practice. Although challenges have come in my role as a facilitator I believe that it's all about the small incremental steps that I have taken each day that have made a difference in shifting my perspective to becoming more solution oriented.

One of my highlights at Open Lens has been that we do life with each other not just in work but  we are intentional about scheduling time for sociable hours and keeping each other accountable to our personal goals or hobbies. I’ve enjoyed this so much and look forward to how much more we can accomplish together.

Moving forward I will be shifting gears in continuing to show up on purpose and remaining consistent each day by sharpening my skills in my practice and as highlighted in our last training day not just doing work but doing the right work.

The whole team are excited to see how Tahlena and Damaris progress in their roles and to see how they can continue transforming our participants’ lives!