Shona | Freelance Journalist | I write, snap and post about: minority experiences, human rights and more | Sydney, Australia
Instagram: @shonasays
Website: https://www.shonasays.com/
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I made the transition from a full-time job to a part-time role to carve out extra time to focus on my passions. It brought a lot of new challenges but it was the best thing to happen in 2019. I was exposed to new stories, met a ton of inspiring people and started a creative journey that I never want to end.
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The opportunity to travel to Korea with my grandma was simultaneously the best and worst thing. For my 85-year-old grandma, this was the last foreseeable trip she'd take to her homeland. We shared a ton of memories but as we touched down in Sydney, I thought about the brevity of life. The realisation that my grandma won't be around forever was definitely a painful process.
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
To usher in new opportunities for the creatives around me. I see first-hand how hard they work and how big their dreams are so I desperately wish for them to cash in on their hard yards.
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4) YOUR BIGGEST Worry FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I'm worried that I'd stop standing up for the injustice and hurt in this world. As a society, I see glimpses of indifference and helplessness when we hear about Syrian refugees or displaced people in Myanmar but I can only control my response. If I continue to care and respond in small ways, it will inspire those around me to learn and discover their own ways of making a difference.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
Earlier this year I read Min Jin Lee's award-winning novel 'Pachinko'. It was the first novel I had read where the main character had a Korean name and spoke in Korean. It was a transformative read and when I had the chance to hear her speak in Sydney. I was so encouraged by her genuine faith, humility and kindness. She is my woman crush!
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
The world can paint our emotions and vulnerabilities as a weakness but I believe these are our strengths too. Use your empathy, emotion and vulnerability in your craft to impact those around you in a meaningful way.