Here’s an update on what some of our ex-volunteers and staff are doing now. If you’ve ever been involved in Exposure’s work please get in touch and tell us what you’ve been up to. It would be really good to hear from you.   Exposure when and how? From the ages of 13 to 18 I took photographs, music reviews, did the web bit and wrote an article. What then? I went on to do a photography course at the University of Hertfordshire. What now? I am working as a gardener and trying to do freelance photography in my spare time until I get a break. How did Exposure help? Exposure gives you a lot of confidence and helps you mature quickly. The social skills you learn help you progress in later life. You interact with people from different age groups.   Barry Macdonald elducmac@hotmail.com   Exposure when and how? I was a volunteer journalist for a number of years while still at school and college and then I became editor of Exposure magazine in 2001. I went on to be the online editor in 2003. What then? I became a freelance arts worker and poet and then started a not-for-profit design company called Social Spider with former Exposure member of staff Mustafa Kurtuldu. What now? I’m still running Social Spider. We can just about afford to pay ourselves now! How did Exposure help? Working for Exposure enabled me to pick up almost all the skills I’ve needed to run a business. We haven’t gone bust yet. Working with Andy (Exposure’s manager) provided me with a series of memorable catchphrases, many based on Cypriot proverbs, that now provide an ongoing source of inspiration to Social Spider’s staff team and clients.   David Floyd david@socialspider.com socialspider.com   Exposure when and how? A friend of mine suggested I come down to Exposure to join the newly established Film school. This was in 2003 and since then I have written various articles for the magazine, written short films through the film school and done a four week work placement as part of my degree. During this time I started working one day a week at Exposure as a development officer. What then? I was studying for a degree in Media & Cultural Studies at University of the Arts London, London College of Communication. What now? I have completed my degree and continue to work part-time fundraising for future projects at Exposure. How did Exposure help? Exposure kept me sane through my degree. Not only was my degree very theory based it lacked the excitement of practical work. Coming to Exposure I was able to explore the world of film making and be part of exciting new opportunities such as First Light and a scheme for ethnic minority filmmakers called Blank Slate. As well as being involved in productions, I have also been able to write articles and become a part-time member of staff working two days a week.   Flo Codjoe flo@exposure.org.uk   Exposure when and how? I started off as a volunteer in 2000 and became a full-time paid member of staff at the end of the same year. What then? I went to Paris to teach English as a foreign language to prove to myself that I could do it. What now? I’m doing a ‘Fashion Portfolio’ course to enable me to develop my understanding of the fashion industry before launching myself into a fashion design career. How did Exposure help? Being in a creative environment and encouraging young people to develop their potential spurred me on to follow my own creative pathway.   Francesca Alphonso         Exposure when and how? I first volunteered for the project back in 1997 when I was 15. I happened across a copy of Exposure in my local library. There was an advertisement for young people interested in writing and I gave them a call. What then? I was with Exposure for about four years before going to university. I was given an opportunity to speak my mind. I wrote articles about issues that were important to me – I knew that people read Exposure magazine and so I was satisfied that, as a young person, my opinions were not only heard, but also taken seriously. What now? I’m still here. Only now I help other young people to benefit in the same way I did. I help with the running of the project, but more importantly I assist young people in their development at Exposure. I ensure that they are happy and that they are getting the most out of the opportunities Exposure provides. How did Exposure help? Without Exposure I wouldn’t have gone to university – I under-achieved miserably at A level and without the experience I gained here I wouldn’t have been accepted onto a degree course. Exposure helped improved my writing, encouraged me to become more confident and enabled me to meet some excellent people.   Gary Flavell gary@exposure.org.uk     Exposure when and how? I was involved from the very beginning. I used to attend the youth club at the Muswell Hill Centre and started working on the magazine. I wrote a number of articles about what was happening to me back then. I also did some fundraising for Exposure at the Hornsey Carnival. I raised the most money as I was a nutter then! What then? I did a course in fitness instruction and actually became an instructor for a while before going on to gardening college. What now? I am now a landscape gardener for an award-winning London gardening company. I also run my own business, Merry Christmas trees, supplying Christmas trees in north London. I have also set up Gardner’s Touch, my own landscape gardening company. I’m also Exposure’s on-off DIY expert doing decoration work and setting up Exposure’s security system. How did Exposure help? When I was a kid I was surrounded by a lot of madness. Exposure was a sane place to go where I was treated as an adult and a normal person. It helped me become computer literate and taught me aspects of design which I now use for my businesses. I met my girlfriend at Exposure!   Gavin Shaw   Exposure when and how? I was involved about four to five years ago. I was the ‘official’ Science correspondent but was also involved with fashion and sports articles due to my interests. What then? I went to the University of Surrey Roehampton and trained to be a primary school teacher. Hard work but I recommend it!! What now? I’m teaching 8-year-olds in a primary school in Hertfordshire. They know a lot more than I did when I was their age. How did Exposure help? Getting lots of experience dealing with young people, adults in different environments and using ICT - all of which look great on your CV! It also helped me with speaking to large groups of people. I built up my confidence in meetings, discussing issues with other people who didn’t necessarily agree with me: a very valuable skill now. And did I mention meeting some wonderful people who I'm still very good friends with now?   Kanchana Gamage   Exposure when and how? I was 15 and wanted to do learn more about the computer in my spare time and my dad found out about Exposure through Haringey Council. I started doing graphic design at Exposure which I found really interesting. I designed page layouts for Exposure magazine and also did some journalism. What then? I concentrated on my exams at school and passed my GCSEs. What now? I am going to City & Islington College to study a National Diploma in Media. How did Exposure help? Exposure helped me to find something that I really liked doing and created a path for me wanting to work in the media.   Lackish Jackson   Exposure when and how? Three years ago I was sent to Exposure by the Youth Offending Service to complete my community service. I got involved in design work producing graphics and layouts for articles in Exposure magazine and even a front cover. I also went on a trip to Birmingham for a Connexions youth conference where we had to produce a newsletter of the event. I learnt how to use QuarkXPress, Photoshop and Illustrator and Jon was a great tutor. What then? I went to Barnet College to carry on with graphic design. What now? I’m now at Middlesex University where I’m doing a diploma in graphic design. With what I learnt from Exposure I’ve also launched a magazine by and for Russian youths called Steep which is going really well. I’m also working with a group of young Kurdish/Turkish people to launch a youth magazine for their community. How did Exposure help? Exposure gave me great experience and a chance to progress into the professional world.   Leo Topalov steep@pochta.ru   Exposure when and how? I heard about Exposure in 2001 through a company I was doing work experience for in central London. I went to meet them and find out a bit more about them. I couldn’t believe a place like Exposure had been right down the road from me all along! What then? I worked with the Exposure team and helped start up the Video Editing Department. We had lots of fun filming stuff and hanging out! What now? After leaving Exposure I went to the States and worked with kids, teaching video editing. I later came back to London and started working in advertising eventually becoming a freelance editor. I have now gone back to my roots and moved to Cyprus where I have started my own company - kinda like a mini Exposure! - teaching kids creative computer skills. How did Exposure help? It changed my life – they were like my second family! I learnt a lot of new skills there and great people. It helped me build my portfolio and gave me loads of hand-on experience.   Louisa Avgousti louisa_avgousti@ hotmail.com createitacademy.com     Exposure when and how? I started in June 1996 as a volunteer, initially as part of Exposure’s internet activities developing the website. Then I got involved in magazine and design work. I reviewed games and music and wrote some articles on the environment and on computers. Then I got work at Exposure as the online editor as well as providing general IT support which continued on and off until the end of 2005. During that time we won an award for the best UK website representing young people. What then? I went away to the University of Hertfordshire where I gained a Bsc (Hons) in multi-media technology. What now? I am now working for the Apple Store in Brent Cross as a ‘Mac Genius’ providing technical support and assistance to its customers and undertaking in store computer repairs. How did Exposure help? It gave me a lot of opportunities to learn new skills and try them out. It gave me a chance to work with other creative people in a team achieving meaningful results. I made contacts with people from different backgrounds and industries which opened doors for more work.   Michael Aumeerally michael@aumeerally.net aumeerally.net   Exposure when and how? I was press-ganged by David Floyd (the then editor) to join up in 2003 and was involved in Exposure’s internet design activities, developing Exposure’s website and servicing Exposure’s clients. What then? I took David to court (jokes!) then we made up and decided to set up our own not-for-profit company called Social Spider. What now? I run Social Spider with David. Social Spider designs and maintains websites (including the Exposure website) and raises funds to undertake web-based projects that meet a social purpose. It also undertakes print design, magazine production and IT support. A number of young people from Exposure have gone on to take advantage of employment opportunities with us. How did Exposure help? It gave us the experience needed to set up a company and experience of delivering professional services to clients.   Mustafa Kurtuldu mus@socialspider.com socialspider.com   Exposure when and how? I was with Exposure in 2002 on a work experience placement followed by a brief amount of time as music editor. What then? I studied for a diploma in moving image media. What now? I am currently reading for my degree in film production at the Bournemouth Film School. How did Exposure help? Without any formal qualifications the work I could show from my time at Exposure meant that one tutor went out on a limb for me and took me onto an equivalent A-level course when all other colleges asked me to repeat secondary qualifications.   Neil Glassman neiljglassman@ yahoo.co.uk   Exposure when and how? I had some photos published in Exposure magazine in 2002 and then joined officially on a work placement through TNG Entry to Employment as I'd been out of school since year 7 and needed somewhere to go to pick up key skills and work experience. I've written articles, taken photographs, created my own website, made and starred in my own films. What then? I went to Southgate College to do some taster courses and then went on to College of North East London to get an English language qualification Level 1. I've also done freelance photography work for Exposure and tutored younger people on a Summer University photography course. What now? I've set up my own photography company, Camclick, taking photographs of models, christenings, nightclubs, fashion shows and music video shoots. I also work part-time at Exposure doing IT and Internet work. How did Exposure help? Exposure helped to build up my confidence. I was very shy and they got me answering the phones so I could learn how to talk to people. I've learnt software packages like Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Final Cut Pro.   Nicholas May nick_camclick@ yahoo.co.uk Camclick @ MySpace   Exposure when and how? I joined Exposure in September 2005 and wrote a couple of articles for the magazine. I was also involved in an Exposure TV project at the beginning of 2006, which I really liked and you can watch the clips that I presented with another volunteer on the Exposure website. Its purpose was to make people aware of the talents that young people have, not just here at Exposure but in the community. What then? After the summer of 2006, I went on to university and I believe the experience I gained at Exposure helped me. I am studying a Journalism course at Roehampton University combined with Drama and Theatre. Truth is, the experience I gained from Exposure still haunts me, which I believe is a good thing, well, for university. What now? I’m still at university and I’m using the skills I learnt at Exposure, like interviewing, to get through my coursework and essays. How did Exposure help? Exposure has given me not just the skills I need for my future development, but also the experience of working with such great people. They even let me profile the manager for my Journalism degree.   Pauline Nakirya pnak_ya@yahoo.co.uk   Exposure when and how? From Easter 2000 until sometime in 2002 as an illustrator. What then? When I left I was studying for a foundation course in Art and Design at Camberwell. I went on to do a BA and graduated with 1st Class honours last summer. I specialised in children's book illustration and did electives in animation, book-art and work placements with children’s theatres in prop making. Throughout my studies I had various part-time jobs, at Art4Fun and the Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, then later at the Tate, where I still work occasionally as a gallery assistant. I also volunteered at the National Maritime Museum as an art workshop assistant and with Only Connect, an Easter playscheme for children with learning disabilities. In 2004 I took part in the student’s associate scheme with the Institute of Education and worked in the art department of a secondary school. Last September I did a short course in Facilitating Art Workshops. In January I went to Sri Lanka to teach English and a bit of art when I could, painted a mural on the wall of a primary school, stayed with a local family, made loads of friends, learnt a bit of Sinhala, travelled around and sometimes found time for a bit of well earned rest! What now? I'm now working as an art workshop facilitator for Cats Club (soon to be called School Friend) at various after-school clubs in Hackney and Enfield. I’m also undertaking an NVQ in playwork. I work at the Tate at weekends and try to find time for my own artwork on week-day mornings. I’m selling some hand screenprinted books in shops and galleries. I have a website which is half finished. How did Exposure help? It boosted my self-confidence and belief in myself and encouraged me to follow my dreams. It developed my IT skills and gave me the satisfaction of working towards something as part of a team and seeing my work in print.   Phoebe Swan phoebeswan@ hotmail.com phoebeswan.co.uk   Exposure when and how? 1999 to the present. I was involved in work experience, writing articles, illustration, music reviews, web page design. What then? I never left Exposure! I just temporarily disengaged with university and work - you know, that future building stuff. What now? I’m in my final year at university. And on the road now. I’m driving! How did Exposure help? Exposure provided me with a welcoming environment, helping to kick-start my career. I met interesting young people.   Rachelle Morris ladynads@hotmail.com   Exposure when and how? I joined Exposure when I was 13. I wrote articles on sex, alcohol and under 18-nights at warehouses in Kings Cross - clearly set the wheels in motion for the future! I remained at Exposure for about five years, writing, helping out, making coffee and chatting really. All good fun though and when the (occasional) prospective employer sees it, you know they’re impressed - probably because I haven’t done much else! When I was at Exposure their was no fancy editing suite and we literally were in a little shoe box! Good to know that one of us has gone on to bigger and better things! What then? I went to Starbucks, had a think and decided to go to Camden Girls to do my A levels. I somehow managed to pass them and ended up at Bristol University doing Ancient History. What now? I’m now in my second year and absolutely loving it. So much fun and I’ve met lots of lovely people. Have become a little more independent, have my own place but still haven’t quite worked out how to use the washing machine and the dishwasher - some things never change! Thank God London is only an hour and a half away! How did Exposure help? After all Andy’s enlightening conversations about the state of the world and politics I realised I may as well enjoy being young while I can because the future may be bright but it’s not orange! Oh and it taught me about the importance of deadlines.   Rupa Tailor rtailor41@hotmail.com   Exposure when and how? Sometime last millennium in the summer of 1995, I was young. I was idle. I was bored. Things changed when I started to attend the summer youth club project in Bruce Grove. A youth worker introduced me to her colleague, Andreas Koumi, who I soon came to know as, Andy. Andy had visions of setting up and running a magazine with young people, for young people. I volunteered and got some of my friends involved too. A couple months later I was voted for the position as editor by my peers and Exposure was born. What then? I never left. I gave up the position as editor at the time of my A-Levels but continued to volunteer and write. Films were my passion. I maintained a films review page, wrote occasional articles and game reviews. I soon went on to university and achieved a degree in Computer Science BSc. Whilst at university I organised and ran Exposure's Internet Design Course which ran once a week. What now? I work for Exposure, catering for all its IT needs. I maintain Exposure's website, maintain it's servers, and still run the Internet Design course. How did Exposure help? Through Exposure I made many friends, I've travelled Europe, learnt important technical, managerial and social skills at an early age. Above all, I feel as though I've made a positive difference to those around me and to my community as a whole.   Ryan Alexander ryan@exposure.org.uk   Exposure when and how? I was a volunteer from 1999 to 2000. Having graduated I was in a bit of a dead-end job and not that confident in my ability to get something better. I started off by writing articles and reviews for Exposure magazine, chaired editorial meetings and contributed to funding applications. From 2000 to 2002 I was employed as a Development Officer and was able to gain experience across a range of tasks: from direct work with young people to helping with the accounts - ah, those heady days! What then? I left Exposure to do some travelling until 2005. What now? Since November 2005 I’ve been Development Officer for youth participation at the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS). Urmi (my wife) and I are now very proud parents to Naina Elina Pryse who was born on 12th October 2005. How did Exposure help? It has given me the confidence to aim much higher than I used to. If it wasn’t for Exposure I certainly wouldn't be in my existing job. It’s impossible to say just how much Exposure has helped to develop me both professionally and personally so a big thank you to all the staff and young people there, past and present.   Steven Pryse steven@ncvys.org.uk stevenpryse@gmail.com   Exposure when and how? I was a volunteer in 2005. I was at Exposure for two months. It was a nice time. I studied cinema with Enrico and web design with Ryan. I also wrote an article about how living in London is for a foreigner. What then? I returned to Brazil, and kept studying Journalism in UFSM. I worked for a TV channel, RBSTV. After that I worked in a Radio for CDN. What now? I am going to live in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in order to complete my degree in Journalism there. How did Exposure help? I practised a lot of English there, I learned about cinema and the web. And the most important thing was getting to know the people at Exposure who received me very well.   Thais Rosa        Exposure when and how? After college didn’t know what to do so a joined a volunteering origination called YVS (Young Volunteer Change) who find young people voluntary places in a field of interest, so they sent me to Exposure to fulfil my dream to be come an illustrator. What then? Well, I tried for a university (UEL) and got in... somehow. Well, it's not the hardest thing in the world. What now? Still there doing my thing. I’m a second year now - got a B last Semester so I’m doing OK. How did Exposure help? One of the main reasons I didn’t go to uni straight from college is I didn’t have that much of a portfolio. By working at Exposure I was able to produce a large body of quality work which got published. Also Jon, the designer at Exposure, did the reference for me on my UCAS application form.   Trevor Jeffrey Sylvester vagrentt@hotmail.com