And joyously Rob is the second
Coming back
to participate in Yew Tree’s 20th anniversary was an utterly joyous
experience. For those who didn’t come, I was lucky enough to present research
outlining what academics think about Yew Tree. So, for those who couldn’t make
it, I’ve converted my offerings into a blog. This allows me to tie-up a few lose
ends, and maybe talk less about suicide, and other depressing stuff – you had to be there.
Yew Tree impacts
its members in many different ways. For some, the impact is obvious – it gets you
into drama school. But for others, like myself, it is less obvious. I often
find it hard to articulate how Yew Tree changed my life. That is why I turned
to the study of education and learning. Because academia can begin to quantify
the social impact of Yew Tree.
Yew Tree
falls into what academics term ‘extra-curricular activities’. These are engagements
that take place outside of formal education settings. Social scientists have
become surprisingly good at measuring these activities. Broadly speaking, these
measurements fall into two domains: the academic and the social.
First, the
academics suggests that young people who participate in extra-curricular
activities show positive attitudes towards schooling, increased completion
rates, and higher grade attainment –even after factoring socio-economic
differences. Second, the social, suggests that young people experience improved
self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-identity. Thus providing a safe space for
young people to forge their perception of identity, and improving mental
well-being.
For me, all
of the above was true. Perhaps not the
amazing grades. However, looking back, Yew Tree provided me with an amazing
sense of worth. Especially at a time when my home and school life was
turbulent. A sentiment that was epitomised by Ash, who, halfway through the 20th
Anniversary Open Mic Night, turned to me and said: ‘How do I even thank Sarah,
for all that she has done for me?’
So, at a
time when non-formal activities are losing funding, the poorest have less money
to access them, and formal education is valued over the informal – we must
applaud Yew Tree. As members, we must endeavour to support and nurture our
community. As guardians, we must actively attend and speak of the things we see.
And as alumni, we must go afar and speak of our experiences.
As for me, I
intend to keep supporting Yew Tree through political apparatus. How successful
will this be? Who knows. However, I do know this; I wouldn’t be writing with
coherence if it were not for Yew Tree. So, as Yew Tree turns 20, I say thank
you. Thank you for creating an utterly self-indulgent, overconfident,
self-assured, and annoyingly loud boy.
Much love
Robert
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