The Purpose Of Play

Tell us more about what you do. What’s the most interesting experience you had at work?
I work at Playeum, a charity organisation that champions children through play and creativity, and we run the Children’s Centre for Creativity at Gillman Barracks. I work in communications but a part of my job also requires me to know how to facilitate play with children. Once, I was involved in a role play session with a couple of children—I ended up being a guest at an imaginary castle hotel. It was interesting because even though I’ve been here for awhile, it did take some time to get into the role-play without feeling “awkward” about it. I think that’s what happens when adults play less—we aren’t as comfortable or confident to be imaginative or spontaneous. So play is just as important as working hard!

If a theme song played every time you entered the room, what would it be and why?
I think I change the theme song in my head pretty often but at the moment it’s Omen by Disclosure and Sam Smith (specifically the chorus bit). I feel like dancing every time I hear it.

What’s the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen?
There was once at work when a young child was playing and didn’t realise that her dad had stepped away to a corner to sit down. She stopped playing to look for him and then realised that he was nowhere in sight. Her dad knew she was looking for him, but just cheekily stayed where he was to observe her reaction. She looked around quite a bit and when she finally saw him, her face totally lit up as she ran towards him for a hug. I found it so sweet!

What is the most annoying question that people ask you?
“Are you still schooling?” Partly because I look 16 half the time. My uncle also once asked me how my preparation for O levels was going—I was 21 then, and in university.

What’s the closest thing to real magic?
Your imagination.