Participants
Who shaped the campaign
How do you describe yourself? Type of person who goes for want they want in life. Strong-minded but also an open book. Never afraid to speak up about what feels right. Recognises the importance of being in touch with his emotions. A balance of working hard towards being successful and appreciating the smaller moments in life. Textbook Monday to Thursday, loose cannon Friday to Sunday
What interested you about ‘Crushed But Okay’? Usually, my content is light-hearted. This time around, I wanted to connect with my followers on a deeper level and emphasise the importance of recognising and working through your emotions. Not all days of the week can be laughs and sunny times. Sometimes we need to walk through the dark nights to appreciate the golden days. Just remember, it's okay to speak up about how you truly feel. This doesn't make your weak. If anything, it makes you a strong-minded individual who works hard to bounce back on their own two feet
What have you learned about yourself from taking part? That I love the fact that I'm in touch with emotions, have a heavy heart and speak to my heart's desire. This process has made me understand the importance of removing that 'wall' that stands between my authentic words and the 'post' button. Speaking from my mind to move my young followers in the right direction has truly felt powerful.
How do you describe yourself: talkative and caring person with a passion for helping others // uni student?
What interested you about ‘Crushed But Okay’? The ability to help others and hopefully make being a teenager less confusing and stressful
What have you learnt about yourself as video talent? I have learnt that being vulnerable is a strength and helps you connect to people
Favourite part of the project, working as a Creative Advisor: Being able to openly discuss personal experiences and reflect on societal norms. Everyone was so open and transparent and made me feel so welcomed in sharing my own thoughts and experiences
The best thing to come out of ‘Crushed But Okay’ would be: To demonstrate to people that respect and kindness are key in relationships.
How do you describe yourself? I describe myself as charismatic, sincere, analytical and open
What interested you about ‘Crushed But Okay’? I believe it's important for teenagers to have open discussions about relationships and dealing with rejection. ‘Crushed But Okay’ is a great way to instigate these conversations
What have you learned about yourself from taking part? Through discussion of techniques to help deal with rejection, I became of the affirmations I tell myself, to give myself perspective on situations when dealing with relationships.
How do you describe yourself? I am a high school student, a business owner and a musician
What interested you about ‘Crushed But Okay’? I was interested in the campaign to fill in the void and talk about being rejected online. I think that it is a great issue to talk about and being respectful to everyone no matter the situation is a good thing
What have you learned about yourself from taking part? I have learned how both sides of the story play out. I have seen perspective on the receiving end of rejection and how people react to that. But also on the side of rejecting someone, as it is just as tough to have the courage to say no. I feel as if people my age don’t have experience in having to deal with both sides and can be daunting for both sides.
Fun fact about me: I am a dancer and have been since I was 8
Favourite part of the project: The openness of people to share their stories and perspectives to gain insight into the complexities and often miscommunications within dating culture that men and women both experience differently
The best thing to come out this project would be: For other people to understand how things may not always come across the way they are intended and that communication is key.
Fun fact about me: I have a fear balloons.
Favourite part of the project: Having discussions every Monday avo, uncovering new pearls of wisdom and hearing from other people my age living out the same experiences as myself.
The best thing to come out of ‘Crushed But Okay’ would be: For there to be a real “culture shift†in the way young people think and talk about rejection, and just online interactions and flirting etc. in general. That would be super encouraging to see.
Fun fact about me: I love playing rugby
Favourite part of the project: Hearing the differing perspectives regarding relationships, which has come from having an open dialogue
The best thing to come out of ‘Crushed But Okay’ would be: An eye-opening for other people to see another perspective on relationships which hopefully can shift their behaviour to be more respectful.
Fun fact about me: I lived in Canada for 8 years
Favourite part of the project: I’ve loved getting to know everyone involved and especially all the chats and brainstorms that we’ve had, it’s been so good to hear so many different perspectives and stories
The best thing to come out of ‘Crushed But Okay’ would be: For everyone, especially guys, to be more comfortable with getting rejected, and just getting people talking about it more.
Fun fact about me: I have a duck name Pogo
Favourite part of the project: Delving into everyone’s experiences and learning about the different perspectives in situations.
The best thing to come out of ‘Crushed But Okay’ would be: seeing growth within interactions between teenagers navigating their peers and relationships.