Meet Samantha - “Propelling young minds forward”.

"I want to be a part of something big, something meaningful..."

My name is Samantha (you can call me Sam), why me and why Skills Street…

I’ve been like a yo-yo from an early age, bouncing around from country to country. To make an exceedingly long (roughly 10 year) story short, I was born in the United States (Houston Texas), I’m half Mexican and half British. I’ve lived in three countries, studied at school in three countries and experienced diverse cultures in all three - some might say that makes me a triple threat. I’ll let you decide, but I like to think that prepares me well to translate creativity and culture into an immersive experience at Skills Street.

My background makes me what I am. My adventures have made me adaptive, extroverted, ambitious, grateful for friendships and family and lastly, creative!

So … what would I, Capital of Culture Trainee, tell my younger self;

1. AIM HIGH but always be kind - It costs exactly £0.00 with a side of patience.

2. BE YOU (and be confident) - An original is worth far more than a copy.

3. KEEP FOCUSSED but work hard - not everyone has had an easy start to life, be grateful for yours and don’t waste your privilege.

Before we move onto this fantastic thing I get to call a job, I’ll run through a few of my favourite things so you can get more of a feel of who I am. I love animals, I’m a massive foodie because no matter where I was there was always a food that reminded me of home. I scroll on TikTok until it’s dark outside and I love LOVE LOVE to shop – I’m sure bank accounts have suffered throughout the years.

So, you might be thinking why Skills Street?

At Skills Street I’ve started to work on project and stakeholder management as part of The Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture programme. I co-lead (with Mia - she’s here) on designing and developing two interactive ‘world of work’ zones in the venue - creative and cultural and health & social care. I also work part-time as a Community Carer which brings a real word perspective into Skills Street from an industry I am passionate about (don’t worry care community, I won’t let you down!)

I’ve always felt I was meant to do something special with my life. I want to be a part of something big, something meaningful, whilst doing the right thing and #makingitfun – live it. I want to make an impact towards a legacy that will outlive me, focusing on propelling young minds forward. I want to aid the creation of a place that celebrates culture and community as building blocks for a better tomorrow.

Skills Street is that place for me … my mission, work towards a place where everyone feels that way.

Are you involved in Skills Street? Don’t be a stranger! Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow our updates as we work towards an informed future for Rotherham, Children’s Capital of Culture 2025👋