Date: 22/09/2020

Name: Farjana Iqbal

Challenge and selection

Storytelling is a spectacular tool to reach out to people's minds and feelings. It's a great technique

that I use with our clients. I work with individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, who need support

and intense care. I spend much time inspiring and focusing on their feelings rather than using

words. I struggled a lot to understand their desires and emotions, so I devoted a specific day in the

week to communicate with each other and to share each story they have, even if it's from their

imagination. They always have a different story to tell. I use the information I gained from these

sessions to ascertain their goals and interests and figure out different plans and strategies to know

what they lack and need to overcome

Application

The real story behind using storytelling started when I was in a campaign to support orphans. I

tried to explain the importance of hearing people express their feelings and addressing their

individual needs. I found out that the organizing company failed to contribute to the children and

did not know what each child desired. Although it seems hard to ask each child what they want,

it's an excellent opportunity to create a better environment for them. I started posing a situation

that confronted me when I was at school. I remember an orphan girl who had always been bullied

and scorned in class. She used to set outside class to cry every day. I could tell she needed

immediate help. When I encouraged her to challenge her fears and not be ashamed to say to the

teacher. She started realizing my words and noticing it might make a difference. All she needed

was support and love! I started telling her my story when I was bullied in the school bus, I was

beaten and insulted every time, but I confronted my fears and told other people who helped me

interfere with this problem

Insight and approach

Well, surprisingly, she started feeling comfortable and realized that she has to do it! She started

opening up and told the teacher, and finally, she stopped the bullying. I learned from what I

experienced is that you could inspire people by telling your story. Storytelling is a potent tool to

consider. You can reach an individual's feelings and emotions. You can change something

eventually! I told this story to my colleagues in the campaign here when they started changing

their ways and policies to contribute to the orphans in a completely different way.

This course taught me how powerful storytelling is. I can make a significant difference in the future

with my ideas using the various techniques I learned. Now I'll manage my problems and challenges

in a very different mindset.

