Her Campus caught up with busy bee Mr. Chris Afuakwah to find out how he’s he doing in his final year at University, whilst juggling his involvement with Treading the Boards Musical Society (TTB) and his fantastic charity work.
HC: So first of all, the obvious question… TTB, how is it all going?
C.A.: I’m one of the social conveners [alongside our own HC girl Holly Bruce] which is always a good laugh. However I’m an administrator for the Student Show, so I’ll talk about that… Basically I am the producer for the show, I organise a team of 12 people with different roles – from designing a souvenir programme, to contacting big businesses for sponsorship. I also had to find a director, choreographer and musical director. Plus, I get to have the final say in the plot and title, as well as organising advertising. It’s the 94th year so TTB is a huge tradition, a lot of big shoes to fill and it’s slightly stressful at times BUT it’s all going well!
HC: A little birdy told me that it’s TTB’s 25th anniversary this year… a biggy! Any grand plans to celebrate?
C.A.: I believe we’re looking into doing a Burns Supper Ceilidh in January. There will also be an acoustic night at the Blue Lamp on November 20th that everyone is welcome to come along and watch/participate if you like. The student show this year is Sweet Charity, and for anyone who doesn’t know it (as I didn’t before this year) it’s where ‘Hey Big Spender’ comes from. It is camp, cheesy and a great laugh. Last Wednesday I was on Original 106 (BNOC) to announce 2015’s student show which will be (drum roll please…) TILLY ELLIOT! For those who are interested, Student Show rehearses are in late March and over the Easter holidays with the show in the final week (22nd – 25th April). Like Aberdeen Student Show on Facebook for further info! We have a huge amount of new faces this year which is always exciting. Our first proper social is on Saturday so I’m looking forward to getting to know people.
HC: The student show is always a successful fundraiser, how much did you guys earn last year and where does the money go to?
C.A.: Last year we raised an enormous £80,000 which is unbelievable and I’m naturally stressing about matching it let alone beating it this year but we will do our best! I have an amazing team who are great to work with, which is half the battle. We work alongside the RAG campaign at AUSA and all the money goes to local Aberdeen charities. It’s great to work alongside such a driven and committed charities committee this year, led by Jenny Waters.
HC:Now since the student shows are famously in Doric… are you fluent?
C.A.: I can say it but still don’t usually understand fit wot I’m spikkin’ aboot.
HC: You escaped to Peru on a child reach adventure, how was it and would you recommend it?
C.A.: Absolutely incredible. I had no idea what Peru was going to be like but I had such a fun few weeks. I had to fundraise a lot but I ran a marathon in June which definitely helped – I had probably gone for a proper run about 5 times in my life, so I think that was why everyone was so generous with donations! Also, massive shout out to whoever it was who donated me £500 anonymously, if you’re reading this please get in touch because I want to buy you flowers! But back to Peru, we had a 6-day hike to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay trail passing through mountains, glaciers, rainforest, sun, rain and even snow and hail. On the fourth night we found a bar in a neighbouring town to our campsite and had the rashest, strangest, wildest night out involving pole dancing, Holly falling asleep (obviously) and someone attempting to buy a pig. Then we were up early the next morning to continue the hike and do a zipline 1000m into the air across a valley – definitely beats the average hangover day! Machu Picchu itself was unreal, there’s something really magical about the place. Afterwards 3 of us from Aberdeen and the group from Leicester went travelling together to Lima, Huacachina, Nazca and Arequipa, all of which were completely different. I would definitely recommend Peru to anyone, it’s such an achievement raising all that money for charity and reaching your goal, and also meeting some fantastic people. I was in Leicester on Friday for a night out with people I met on the trek so you do make friends for life, it’s not just something they put on the poster!
HC: AND an English degree, how is that going?
C.A.: I’m only in uni 4 hours a week! After Student Show, TTB, trips abroad, nights out, keeping Topman in business and Netflix, it’s probably the last thing I think about. Dissertation is looming, and I am being interviewed for HC – serious procrastinating from writing an essay, so it’s going well as you can see…
HC: Apart from procrastinating, what are your plans for the next couple of years?
C.A.: Terrifying question. I really can’t believe I’m in 4th year. I’m planning as much travelling as I can fit in (and afford), I’ve spent the last 3 summers working at a summer camp in Massachusetts and it pains me to say that I’m not going back. I’m thinking Thailand or interrailing (classic) but on the other hand I might go and get a summer job in the states. After that, I’m beginning to look into post grads in the likes of Marketing and Advertising, and essentially avoiding becoming an English teacher/adult for as long as possible!
All of us at HC are so jealous of Chris’ adventures! No matter what this charming gent turns his hand to, it’s sure to come out shining! If Chris has inspired you to do some travelling of your own, here’s the link to the Childreach International page… Get planning! https://www.childreach.org.uk/