Our ambassador Aliyah once dreamed of becoming a landscape architect - but along the way, she discovered a passion for something completely different. Now she teaches circus skills and her blog is a great reminder that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and to change your mind as you learn more about yourself. 

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I initially chose to study Urban Landscape Architecture because after meeting my mentor at The Girls' Network, I began researching degrees that combined both topics that I love: design and geography.

I chose to study Urban Landscape Architecture at Ravensbourne University London.

Securing an Internship at BAFTA

Following my degree I secured an internship at BAFTA after explaining how interested I am in making sustainable choices. I became a "sustainability intern" for six months, then worked in the comms team for the second half of the internship learning graphic design skills. This is what I thought I really wanted to do. However, I knew deep down that being in an office wasn't for me. Although I loved and appreciated being an intern for a charity as amazing as BAFTA, I knew there was more creativity lying within.

During the second half of my internship, I interviewed for a part-time course in performing arts facilitation, focusing on circus. I've been doing performing arts since secondary school, and in recent years discovered my passion for acting, dancing, and singing. As a result of my interest, I was chosen to learn circus facilitation for three months.

Transitioning to circus teaching

The shift from architecture to circus teaching happened when my circus teacher told me about a job opening at the National Centre for Circus Arts. Knowing that I had only a couple of months left before my internship ended, I happily applied for the assistant teaching position. After interviewing, I successfully secured the role.

I also made a big impression on the circus community as soon afterwards, I was offered to teach for Jackson's Lane youth sessions. When my contract at BAFTA ended, I officially became a freelancer and haven't looked back since. It's now been a year, and every day I'm thankful for my job and what I do.

Facing challenges as a freelancer

One of the biggest challenges I faced while changing paths was adjusting to the income and timetable change. During my internship, I was used to getting paid a set amount every month, and having a set routine. Whereas as a freelancer, my timetable changes every term, and my income depends on me having to be extra organised and submit an invoice for all the companies I work for. It's an extra layer of responsibility because I have to keep track of my hours.

Building confidence through The Girls' Network

Being part of The Girls' Network gave me the confidence to travel alone and depend on myself. My mentor challenged me once to take the tube by myself to meet her. Once I conquered that fear of traveling alone, I opened up so many doors for myself. I've now traveled abroad solo (and have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences of solo travel).

My advice to other young people

To young people unsure about their future, I would say to follow your passions. Any talent or hobby that you have now can be monetized. Don't give up on your dreams, and also, don't feel the need to go to University! So many careers (especially artistic ones) don't require a degree. There are so many other options out there, like apprenticeships, and online courses that teach you high-income skills. Explore them before committing to something as expensive and time-consuming as a degree.

Balancing creativity and structure

In my role as a circus teacher, I balance creativity and structure by ensuring that I'm doing the important tasks on my to-do list every day (such as filling in my invoices, or writing my second book). Circus is my job but it also counts as a creative outlet for me, as I get to practice my artistry.

The advice I wish I had received

The advice I wish I had received earlier is to not rush into a degree. Although I learned loads by doing one, I definitely didn't need it to do my job today. I wish I had done a degree in circus instead - that would have been much more helpful to me than my degree in Urban Landscape Architecture!

The one consolation I have is that I wouldn't have gotten the internship at BAFTA without my degree, and that was one of the best years of my life. I also wouldn't have started my publishing business, where I write and sell books based on landscape and garden design. Everything happens for a reason.

Looking back

Looking back, I'd say I'm happy with the way things have turned out. I'm very blessed to have my experiences and skill set. I can go into many job fields now, and I'm not confined to one thing.

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Thanks to Aliyah for sharing how she has found a new path, embraced change and found the confidence to follow her passion.