- Bonnie Garmus, Letters in Chemistry
I am re-launching a Personal Project that I started in 2015, and here's why:
I recently read the book Letters in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and this part really stood out to me:
“Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change - and change is what we're chemically designed to do.
So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others' opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion.
Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started.”
Elizabeth Zott, the main character, said this to the audience of house-wives on her 1960's TV cooking show.
I was surprised to find that it really reminded me of my Final Major Project when I was studying Photography at University.
Back in 2015 I started 'Notice Before Action', a huge undertaking looking back! I interviewed and photographed activists, campaigners and protestors across the country who were investing monumental time and energy into creating positive change.
They were designing their own future by refusing to accept the one handed to them.
Topics were wide ranging and included:
Better sex education in schools
NHS Junior Doctors strike
Animal rights
Saving a women's refuge centre from closure
Bringing an end to the Conservatives 'austerity' policies