Love, KP

To the lifelines of the Impact Studio,

Hello, it’s KP. I was wondering if after all these years you’d remember me.. Let me remind you.. 2018: You made such an impact, I got the Silverline symbol tattooed onto me. It really is no surprise to write my love letter regarding both Sze-En and Tash. It’s really no surprise that as I write this on a train in London, the ache to hug and congratulate them on such wonderful achievements both professionally and personally is ever growing. 

I was honored with the opportunity to connect with The Studio in 2018 as a performer at their Silverline Festival. cannot tell you how that moment is one of my most pinnacle in 28 years of life. I wish you, the reader of this love letter could’ve been present. Because you would’ve seen a life fundamentally changed forever due to the holistic and safe space to be vulnerable and let self growth in. This space was created from the heart of Sze-En and beautifully assisted by her team of legends, for people who needed to dive deep. People, like me. 

It was in 2021 that I was asked to be an official speaker at the Silverline Festival. I spoke openly for the first time about the abuse in my life. I was scared, nervous and continuously gaslighting myself that my story was not relevant or worthy of anyone’s time. 

But that’s the thing about Sze-En, Tash and the Impact Studio team. They will simply nurture and support your journey, reminding you that you are worthy, you are strong and you are seen. These legends along with their strong crew of volunteers will always leave the door open for you anytime of the day. Along with the cookie jar or whatever snacks they have on hand. Nothing is too big for them to tackle or too small for them to care. They will work everyday (quite often including weekends), like it’s their last day. Not because it’s their job and their level of mahi is second to none - but because they care. And quite frankly, the University needs more people to care about the Mental Health and well-being of their students. 

I have seen events connect and combine different demographics and various groups of the community literally overnight. I have seen Sze-En running back and forth on campus ensuring an event runs smoothly and that everyone has exactly what they need, with her own needs often at the bottom of the list. And I have seen Tash holding students who have needed loving arms around them because they miss their families, they’re overwhelmed by the University life or just need someone to see them amongst the cohort. Their work within the Studio is impressive and faultless, but who they are as people is the real magic. And they do this on minimal resources provided by the University. They plan events, provide resources for students, create safe spaces for people to be vulnerable, create campaigns for meaningful conversations regarding men and their mental health along with a number of impressive tasks they set themselves throughout the year. Alongside their devoted volunteers who work tirelessly, they often sacrifice areas within their own lives because they know the work is important and so desperately needed. I long to see the day when the Studio’s hard work is recognised and invested in as it should be.

When I decided to leave Dunedin and venture to London, one of my initial thoughts was “but that means I’ll miss the Silverline Festival this year”. Even though this is the first year in a few I won’t physically be there, I am proud to watch from afar the impact they will make this year both on campus and within our community. Their presence within my own journey has taught me to embrace change and growth, and to be proud of the person I lean into each day. I take away their lessons of creating healthy boundaries, sitting with my emotions and remembering that I am more than just a singer on stage with a pretty voice. 

I’ve always said, it takes a team to get me on stage. The Impact Studio is one of the cogs that turn this wheel. They have supported me through turbulent times. I am merely one of the many that they have guided through unknown waters, and I am grateful for their unwavering kindness and devotion to their mahi at the Impact Studio. 

Michelle Obama once said ”Success isn't about how much money you make; it's about the difference you make in people's lives.” The Impact Studio, whilst not the richest, will be one of the most successful areas of the University. Successful because there are many people whose lives are richer because of the small office tucked between the Library and Castle. Successful because of the lessons they taught and the lives they changed for the better. Successful, because one of their events in 2018 was such a pinnacle moment in my life, I got the Silverline symbol tattooed on their left arm.

Kylie Price