Romanie Enola.
My name is Romanie Enola, and I’m a second-year Journalism student at the University of Westminster. My decision to study journalism comes from the person I am, the values I hold and the way I choose to carry myself in life. I take pride in my sense of justice and in being someone who believes that everyone deserves to have their voice heard. For me, journalism is more than just a degree, it’s an opportunity to help re shape societal indifferences I feel strongly about.
When I was 15, I went on a life-changing expedition to Borneo, Malaysia, where I spent a month working with local tribes in rural villages in partnership with Camps International. During this time, I discovered a lot about myself that I never knew, whilst giving me the opportunity to contribute to projects that supported local communities and their livelihoods.
Whilst in Borneo, I helped orangutang conservation centres, trekked the foothills of Mount Kinabalu to plant coffee trees, helping replace dying plants and support the local economy, taught English to children and painted murals in local villages, and helped build community centres where locals could hold weddings and other important events. Alongside this, I took part in expanding local schools to support the education of young children and give them better opportunities to learn. Amongst many other things. Every experience opened my eyes to a different way of life and made me realise how much the opportunities we have can shape our futures.
“with hardship comes ease“
Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5–6)
I owe a lot of who I am to the people and things I love in my life. You’ll rarely see me without one of my friends by my side, and I’ve always believed that the people we surround ourselves with have a huge influence on who we become. The people we value and hold close to us shape our perspectives, our values and, in many ways, the people we strive to be. My mum, my sisters and my closest friends, Nikki and Gracie, are a big part of who I am today and continue to influence the person I want to become.
Alongside the people closest to me, there are other parts of my life that have shaped my identity. Such as my time studying at The BRIT School. Including my faith in Islam, my love and devotion to boxing, and my relationship with art. Whether that’s through the paintings I’ve sold and created or simply my appreciation for the creativity and expression behind other people’s work, art has always been something I’ve connected with. Although these interests may seem very different from one another, they each represent a part of me and contribute to the way I see and experience the world.
This is just a small insight into some of the many crazy, beautiful things that make me who I am. I understand that the complexity of my life is reflected in a balance of strange peace and chaos, but I wouldn’t change any of it. The work I do is always rooted in my love for change, something I owe to my older sister, Kiya.
Kiya was born prematurely, which resulted in her disability, but that has never stopped her from doing anything. My drive to challenge societal indifference stems from my upbringing, my love for my sister, and my belief that what makes us different should never define or limit us.
If you would like to get me know me more and be friends feel free to add my instagram @romanieenola.
