Unseen Moments: The Transformative Power of Connection
22 October 2024
Moments—those little things that make up our lives. Each one carries the potential to steer us in a different direction. When we’re in the thick of things, it’s hard to see them for what they are, but in hindsight, it all starts to make sense.
I met Dre Aimee Anderson-O’Connor at the creative research symposium I recently attended. She works as a strategy, research, and creative developer at Creative Waikato, where she supports incredible talents across the region. Last year, Creative Waikato gave a unique opportunity to artists in the community to pursue their creative practice while also uplifting those around them. This initiative was captured in a powerful documentary that I was lucky enough to pre-screen.
Now, I’m not usually a documentary kind of girl, but this one had me hooked from the start. I was glued to that massive screen, taken on an emotional journey that surprised me. Though it hasn’t been officially released yet, I can tell you that it restored my faith in humanity. It reminded me of the healing power of the arts and the strength of community. It also took me back to a time when life seemed complicated but, in hindsight, was beautifully simple.
For six years, I worked at Mount View High School in Hanover Park, Cape Town—a community often stigmatised and overlooked. It was a challenging environment, and at times, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of the society around me. There was a dark cloud of stereotypes and neglect hanging over the area, and it was hard not to let it consume me. But I knew, deep down, that it was exactly where I needed to be.
Having grown up in a similar environment, I was aware of the negative labels, but I also knew the beauty within—the resilience, the culture, the sense of community. I wanted to do something meaningful, and I noticed a growing interest in the arts, especially in music, with no outlet for it. Many students deemed “unruly” were struggling to navigate the system, falling behind, and being left out.
In 2014, I began talking about the idea of a music program, and by 2015, it was in full swing. The response was incredible. Students who once spent their breaks getting into trouble were now immersing themselves in music production, learning about instruments, lyrics, and the industry. Our makeshift studio became a haven, a space where they could express themselves, and together, we built something I still can’t fully articulate. Eventually, I ended up with a mix of unique personalities, varying in strengths. The magic of ‘unruly’ and high achievers coming together added an extra level of pride and amazement. They became one and treated each other as equals.
Those students— their passion, their desire for change, and that unmistakable sparkle in their eyes—continue to inspire me every day. The time I spent with them reignited my own love for music, a passion I had suppressed out of fear. Their bravery sparked something within me, leading to the release of my debut single, “It’s Always You.”
We often go through life thinking that what we say or do doesn’t matter. But every interaction, every moment with someone new, changes us in some way. I truly believe that the people we meet are placed in our lives to guide us, even if we don’t recognise it at the time. Sometimes, we miss the signs altogether, but often, we only see their impact in hindsight.
The Creative Waikato initiative is a testament to the need for change in how we value the arts. Art is such a pivotal part of the human experience, connecting to our souls in ways that shape who we are. Yet, there's still reluctance to give it the recognition it deserves. Creative Waikato has started the conversation that the world has been tiptoeing around, and I’m grateful to be alive during a time when the value we place on art is shifting.
Wherever you are in life, take a moment to consider the present. We often take the now for granted, too busy chasing the future or regretting the past to appreciate the moment we're in. But the present is a version of you that has never existed before and never will again. Embrace it before it slips away.
Go out and make it your mission to inspire others. Your impact doesn’t have to be through grand, transformative acts. It can be as simple as a conversation that sparks someone's passion or a few words that inspire someone to be kinder. Every moment counts. Live fully in the present so that future generations can live in a world brightened by love, positivity, and the beauty of art.
Until next time, keep the music alive and buzzing.
Carnita Bee
