Actually Asten

When I think back to my teenage years, it’s not just school and homework I remember. It’s the places where I found belonging, laughter, and friends who understood me.

For me, that was through the activities I did with other disabled teens. These spaces weren’t just about filling time — they were about connection. They gave me the chance to be myself, without judgement, and to try things I might never have had the confidence to do otherwise.

🎬 Movie Camp

Movie camp will always have a special place in my heart. It was exactly what it sounds like — a chance to dive into the world of film, creativity, and storytelling. It was fun, chaotic, and full of those little moments that stick with you for life. It’s also where I first properly connected with Myron — my very own Superman — so you could say it changed the course of my future in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.

🌟 The “We Can Do It” Project

Another highlight was the We Can Do It project. This wasn’t just an activity — it was a statement. A celebration of what disabled young people could achieve when given the chance to shine. We worked hard on it, and it meant the world to see it recognised and even shown on the local news. For a teenager like me, that was a huge confidence boost. It felt like our voices were finally being heard.

🤝 What It All Meant

Looking back, these activities gave me more than fun memories. They gave me community. They gave me pride. They gave me proof that I wasn’t alone. And they laid the foundations for so much of who I am today — from volunteering at the theatre, to writing stories that celebrate connection, to my work as an expert by experience.

Those camps and projects weren’t just activities. They were lifelines. And even now, all these years later, I carry the joy of them with me.

🌸 Daisy’s Corner:
“Movie camp was basically Hollywood on a shoestring budget. And honestly? Best. Thing. Ever. Who needs glitzy premieres when you’ve got popcorn, inside jokes, and the start of a real-life love story? Also, being on the local news for We Can Do It? Peak celeb moment. Autographs were practically incoming.”