Lydia

Difference Maker

What does it mean to be a difference maker?

To me, being a difference maker means you view the world with curiosity and openness. You’re always looking at what is working and what needs improving. Using those instincts, it drives you to then act on the things that you’re passionate about, and hopefully create positive change where it’s needed.

What characteristics would you say are required to be a difference maker? 

I would say to be a difference maker, two of the most important traits are compassion and wisdom. Wisdom comes with time, but you can always apply what you’ve learnt today to the choices you make tomorrow.

If you had the potential to change one thing right now, what would it be?

If I could, I would change the impacts of Global warming on our planet. 

In the time that I’ve been alive, I’ve gone from hearing about global warming and climate change as a warning, to it now being a crisis. It’s scary. 

In the last few years we’ve seen floods, forest fires and droughts make news across the world. We’ve also had unprecedented weather in this country. We’ve gone from hearing about the effects, to seeing them across the world, to feeling them in our day to day lives.

Unfortunately, a lot of damage has been done and continues to be done but it’s up to us to make better choices and fight for a greener, brighter future. 

What advice would you give to anyone unsure of their education or career journey?

I don’t think anyone is ever certain about their career journey – as time passes and you try and learn different things, you’ll grow, change perspectives and may even change your mind. 

My advice would be to reflect on where you’ve found joy in the past and let that influence your future visions. 

For example, if team sports excite you, look into careers that require strong collaborative skills or allow you to dive into a healthy sense of competitiveness. 

If you enjoyed painting and art classes at school, look into future courses that give you artistic freedom, and careers that will allow you to develop your creativity in different ways. 

You’ll never go wrong following the path that brings you joy.

What are your dreams for the future?

It’s important to me to be a reminder to people of how important human connection is. 

I hope to continue to reach people through my work – whether that is through physical interaction, the stage, the screen or the arts.