An Introduction To Me
Hi, I’m Saynab. I love embroidery and sewing, and I’ve started learning how to knit too. Fashion’s a big passion of mine, it’s something I went to college for although my experience wasn’t the best. Still, I love making dresses when I can. It’s how I deal with stressful situations. If things get too much I just start working on a beautiful dress and I’ll feel better in no time.
I found out about the MacsMAD programme through my job coach. She recommended it because she knew I’d fit in well at Miss Macaroon and she knows I love food!
My First Day
When it came time for my induction I went a tiny bit overboard, big fake lashes and everything! I actually got lost on the way there, couldn’t find the building and my anxiety shot sky high. I ended up walking around aimlessly for over an hour. At one point I even considered just going home and forgetting the whole thing.
I didn’t want to give up though, so I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and called Amy, the programme leader. It might not sound like much to most people but this is something I really wasn’t comfortable with, I don’t like talking over the phone. It was a pretty big step for me. With Amy’s directions I managed to get where I needed to be. She was so lovely and welcoming, which I’d come to find was the norm at Miss Macaroon.
Alice, one of the MacsMAD Leaders, was there to lead my induction. Turns out I was the only one who showed up. At the time I was shy and really scared, I didn’t talk much but Alice was really open about her experiences. She talked a lot about what she’d been through with the course and it helped me get much more comfortable.
I decided to follow through with the course but there was another hurdle in the way. The first half of the course had a lot of paperwork and I’m not really comfortable with written work. It was enough to make me want to give up but I really don’t like leaving things unfinished. I started the course and felt I had to see it through to the end. Needless to say, I’m so happy I stuck it out.
How I Felt
At first I was nervous but over time that wall started to crumble. A lot of that was thanks to Amy who was super helpful and accommodating. She explained things I didn’t understand in a way that was easy for me to grasp and she helped with my written work. Amy’s classes were so fun that sometimes I just didn’t want them to end! It was a far cry from how I was treated in college.
The thing is I’m a very practical person, I love working with my hands. The second half of the course had us in the kitchen which I loved. I was able to pick up new tasks really quickly and just get on with work. Melissa really helped me get even more comfortable but there was one thing I couldn’t quite get the hang of. Every so often Melissa would have us talk about our experience and our strengths out loud to everyone. I struggled a lot with talking about myself, I couldn’t see my own strengths but over time I got more and more comfortable. While I didn’t like doing it at the time, I think it’s really helped boost my confidence.
What I’ve Learned
Over the course of the MacsMAD programme I learned a number of skills from baking to effective teamwork to interview techniques. I’ve come to really enjoy baking in particular, it’s something I try to do a lot in my spare time now, whenever I get the chance. My confidence in the kitchen is way higher than it was before.
I learned a lot about myself and life skills too. I used to think being emotional or talking about your problems made you weak but now I understand that’s not the case. Everyone needs moments to air out their emotions, everyone needs help from time to time, it’s not a sign of weakness. In fact having the courage to ask for help shows a lot of strength. I’ve also found a much better balance between leaning on others and relying on myself, it’s made my life a lot more well-rounded.
What I Want From The Future
Someday I want to open up my own business, a place that combines my biggest loves and greatest passions; fashion, beauty and baking. Maybe something with a salon on one floor, a dress shop on another and a little cafe waiting area! A place where you can get a new style, pretty yourself up and have something tasty while you wait.
I’ve been really inspired by what Rosie’s done with Miss Macaroon and MacsMAD, using it as a platform to help people who need it. I want to do something like that too. Use whatever resources I have to give back to the community, help people who are down on their luck and find what they really need to get back on track.
There’s one piece of advice I’d really like to pass on. It’s great to have goals and dreams that you want to work towards but you shouldn’t stress too much about your future. We never really know what’s coming next and overthinking it can take all the joy out of the present.