Welcome to Millennial Of The Week! This is an interview series conducted by Millennial Community – we are a group of like-minded young people who support each other, talk about life as a millennial, work on projects & ideas that matter and challenge the status quo of the world we live in.
This week we are talking to Sarah Herkess, an environmental engineer, budding facilitator, soon to be outdoor leader working with young people and young adults. Sarah seeks to create opportunities for individuals to learn through experience.Why? Because nothing makes more intuitive sense to her than the value of working in community and caring for environment as a way of life!
Are you a member of any online communities? If so, what made you join?
Yes, a group of women in engineering. I joined to hear other women’s stories, to remind myself that I’m not bonkers and the issues of gender are real, so damned real. I joined to find strength and share ideas about how to tackle sexism. I recently joined Millennial Community out of curiosity and because I reckon Ramona is a brilliant lady with a valuable voice, I trust she know’s where its at.
What are – in your opinion – the most important skills a millennial needs to cultivate, and why?
Ah so many! But below are the one that are killing it (is this an Australianism? It’s definitely a positive thing…) for me at the moment.
Communication, active listening. I have recently come into communities which listen, REALLY listen and it’s so liberating. To listen, to notice your reactions but put them aside and keep on listening. Communicate. Ambiguity and assumptions can easily lead to heartache, accidents and frustration.
Surround yourself with a beautiful community – of people, places and life that have you feel seen. There is no need to spend your time with that which doesn’t click for you. Don’t overanalyse this…just do it, hang out with people who make you laugh and with who you can cry yourself red and puffy in the face with.
How are you practicing those skills in your own life?
I’m having hard conversations and when I get asked a question that makes me want to close off, I sit with the feeling then try to answer anyway. A few friends and I have made some verbal agreements that we are allowed to ask each other tricky questions, we are allowed to push. If I feel resistance rising I tend to mention it, just put it out there. It makes it less scary, we can have a laugh, sometimes dig up whatever belief caused the discomfort.
With regards to community, I’m trying to simply accept who and where I’m drawn to, tell the people and go to the places. The trickiest bit is accepting that I am worthy. Comes back to communication in some way, tell the people you think they’re great, accept it if they say the same to you. Go to the places you’re drawn and make yourself worthy by looking after those places. Earlier this year I returned to two communities, two organisations where I knew the people were great and the places were special. I just hung out and helped out. It led to a new career.
What is your personal definition of success?
Being a part of a community which shares my values and values my contributions. Having the freedom to play outside, get my hands dirty and enjoy a heap of cuddles and laughter.
What are YOU seeking help in at the moment?
Creativity! Art, design, gardening, building. I want the skills! Now I am seeking teachers.
Quick Fire Questions
My current passion project
Taking young people into the mountains, watching the mountains work their magic.
I am most grateful for
The opportunities this year has presented and the people who have helped me embrace them.
One of my role models (and why)
Clementine Ford, what a woman! Through her writing I’m unlearning damaging ideas and finding solidarity in words which explain the confusion and discontent I’ve felt when trying to fit into the many models of acceptable women laid out before me, none of which are acceptable in some way or another! I’m also learning to let out a bit of steam and it’s flippin’ great.
Best advice I ever received
“Sarah, you over analyse your feelings so much that you deny them! Stop, pause, listen.”
My biggest challenge
Working with the persistent belief that “I’m not enough”.
Being resourceful means ___
Realising that help is probably only a phone call away.
