I knew from a young age that I had a passion for the arts. I come from an unwealthy background but my schools nurtured my goals and passion.
I started at Intermission Youth in 2019 at a time when I felt creatively blocked. I felt no one around me shared my same goals. My environment beyond school can be quite negative and you can get sucked into the wrong crowd. I needed to turn to people to guide and help me for my future. I wanted a positive escape.
Intermission gave me that escape - and things I never even knew I needed. I grew as a person. My confidence increased. I was able to brush up on my acting skills and attend a directing course at the RSC. I faced my fears of singing in front of an audience and so much more. The mentors I gained from Intermission are lifelong and the family is strong.
As a young black Muslim woman, I want to be a creative leader and make change in the world. I want to leave my mark and inspire another ‘young Rakiya in primary school'.
