Welcome (back) to Carlie!

Many of you will remember Carlie well.  She worked at Coffee Saints as a barista throughout her school and university years. ‘I started at the Grassmarket the day after my sixteenth birthday and it was a really formative experience for me.  I feel it made me who I am, it moulded me, gave me confidence and compassion’.

 

After collecting her English degree from Napier University, Carlie left for 18 months travelling around Australia. She worked in hospitality in Sydney and Melbourne, often getting up at 5 am to do the breakfast shift at a beach bar.  The extended time away made her think about what was important to her. ‘I’m glad I travelled.  It was the best experience. I grew up a lot living away from home.  It made me realise what was important to me, especially people, and I felt I was always chasing that feeling of belonging which I’d felt at the Project.’ 

 

She also realised what she wanted from her career, ‘I realised that I don’t want to fill other people’s pockets for the rest of my life.  I want to help others. I have always been interested in social justice and activism so  I decided wanted to try and make small changes every day to improve people’s lives.’

 

‘I have seen first-hand how the Project affects everyone and how important it is to people.  I am proud to be a part of the Grassmarket Community Project and feel it is an integral part of me.’ 

 

Carlie is looking forward to her new role. ‘As a Project Support Worker I will be helping deliver classes and welcome meetings, supporting admin and whatever else is needed.  It will change every day so I’m definitely expecting the unexpected!” 

 

Congratulations on your new role Carlie, we are all looking forward to working with you!