autumn 2013
A lifestyle magazine for young people, by young people, in london
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NEW NAME NEW COURSES NEW AMBITION
Contents 6 FACES GOING PLACES Meet three inspiring young people! 7 NEWS YOU CAN USE Opportunities for students & entrepreneurs! 8 A-LIST STAR IN LIMELIGHT Amanda Seyfried on her animation debut! 10 Afro-tastic and beauty galore! Check out our review of the Afro Hair and Beauty show
12 NEW MUSIC Common Tongues on making it without a record deal! 14 UNION J Limelight talks to band member Jaymi Hensley 16 AMELIA LILY The party’s just getting started for X Factor finalist!
18
10
Fashion
Rachel Richardson
16
Amelia Lilly
James Deslandes (middle)
25
18 TALKING SHOP Meet glossy magazine editor Rachel Richardson 20 REVIEWS Check out what’s hot! 21 PERCY JACKSON Alexandra Daddario on the latest instalment 22 CRUNCH TIME Write a winning university application! 25 COURAGE TRUMPHS TRAGEDY Croydon student inspires! 26 Bullying We’re taking a stand! get in touch with limelight! Facebook.com/LimelightMagazine
@Limelightteam
Limelight@risemedia.org.uk
Tell us what you think of Limelight! Editorial Team Assistant editor (trainee): Barbara Bielecka, chief sub-editor, Roxana Hall Writers/ contributors: Haddy Saine, Laurencia Adu-Kusi, Roxanne Mirza and Cynthia Mosengo Music writers: Danielle McGrath and Kristela Phillipou Sports editor: Terrelle Iziren Photographer: Zainul Abidin Design: Troublemaker Associates Editorial director: Adeline Iziren
The Limelight team with footballer James Deslandes (third to left) and chief executive of Croydon Commitment, Ian Robinson
Assistant editor’s letter Limelight is back and better than ever! In this issue we have gone on a mission to bring you the most gripping, juiciest X Factor info right from the mouths of two of the show’s most charismatic acts - the party loving Amelia Lily and the trendiest heart throbbing boy band Union J, who provided plenty of banter about their first single, Carry You, their X Factor experience and so much more. In addition, we have a riveting interview from Hollywood’s most EPIC star, Amanda Seyfried, who vividly tells us about her debut as an animated voice actress. Read on for inspiration from Rachel Richardson, the award winning editor of Britain’s most popular glossy magazine, Fabulous. She talks shop on page 18. On a more serious note, we have an informative opinion piece on the pain of bullying and ways it can be prevented. It features singing sensation Demi Lovato and media personality Jodie Marsh, both former victims of bullying. We have put a lot of work into producing this issue and with our usual dose of sport, fashion and reviews we hope you’ll enjoy reading our magazine as much as we enjoyed producing it. Barbara Bielecka, Assistant (trainee) editor
Limelight is published by Rise Media
Disclaimer Limelight is a lifestyle magazine for 11 to 25 year olds. The views within the publication are not those of the publisher – Rise Media – but of the writers. All information in Limelight was correct at the time of going to press.
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News you can use
faces going places Scottish swimmer prepares for success in World Championships A University of Stirling student is on course for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, but first he wants a shot at the World Championships in Barcelona, this summer. Ryan Bennett, a third year sport and exercise science degree student, reached two swimming finals at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. “Delhi was such a great atmosphere and so I can only imagine what a home Games would be like with all my friends there either competing or watching,” he enthused. “Competing in Glasgow is always at the back of my mind, especially with it being in Scotland. Making my first World Championships would give me an idea of what I can achieve [in Glasgow].” Ryan, 22, from Chorley in Lancashire, trains at the British Gas Intensive Training Centre (ITC), based at his university. Stirling is Scotland’s university for sporting excellence and home to an unrivalled selection of world-class sports facilities. By a Limelight contributor
From high school to high fashion
Fashion entrepreneur Samantha Park founded her first business selling jewellery in 2002, aged just 15. Her self-designed range, ‘Kissika’, followed in 2012. After studying art, textiles and business at college, Samantha worked in recruitment running her business, What’s About Town, alongside her job. Samantha saw the business as a hobby, but that all changed when Paris Hilton was pictured wearing one of her necklaces in 2008. Demand for Samantha’s products skyrocketed and since then the designer has been focused full-time on her business. “It’s awesome seeing someone wear my jewellery,” she enthused. Samantha’s achievements were recognised when she won a Spirit of London award in December 2012. “It’s nice to be recognised for something I’ve been working on for so long,” she admitted. “I’ve always wanted to find my own route in life and used to spend hours researching how to start a business when I was still at school.” And Samantha’s advice for budding entrepreneurs? “When things don’t go to plan, you have to keep going and pull through.” By Roxanne Mirza
One of Samantha’s designs for her ‘Kissika’ range
University graduate Matt Smith steamrolls his way to soccer success Matt Smith, a University of Manchester graduate and former Oldham Athletic striker, made headlines after scoring the winning goal against Liverpool and a last-gasp equaliser against Everton in the FA Cup - forcing a replay. Of these amazing feats, he said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to score some important goals in front of millions of TV viewers. These achievements are the highlights of my career so far.” Matt performed so well back in January that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers compared him to Chelsea’s former star striker Didier Drogba. “It’s obviously very flattering, as Brendan Rodgers is a top manager and Didier Drogba is someone I idolised growing up.” Matt studied international management with American business studies at university and achieved a very good degree (2.1). After graduating, Matt rejected the chance to work in the City for a career in football. “Football is my main passion and so to be able to do it as a job is a dream come true,” explained the 24-year-old super striker, who played for Cheltenham Town FC, as a teenager. At the time of going to press it was reported that Matt joined Championship club Leeds United on June 10 2013, after turning down a new contract with Oldham Athletic. By Terrelle Iziren
6 limelight
Turn your life around with the help of the Prince’s Trust!
If you’re 18 to 30 and unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, then the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you. The Programme gives you a taste of what you need to know and do to start your own business. You’ll also get support to apply for a low interest loan of up to £4,000 if you’re planning to set up a business alone or £5,000 if you’re planning to form a partnership company. With mentoring from The Prince’s Trust, you’ll be able to develop your business. But if that’s not the right route for you, the organisation will help you to access other opportunities in education, training, volunteering or work. One person who benefited from the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme said: “The Prince’s Trust gave me the tools I needed
Fashion entrepreneur to take the first steps in business, while giving me the advice and support I needed to turn my life around.” Not only can the Trust help you to start a business, it can also boost your confidence! So get help to explore and test your business idea with The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme. For more information, please contact 0800 842842 By Laurencia Adu-Kusi
Exciting new facilities await students at a London college Lambeth College’s ambitious building project, allowing it to offer new vocational courses and apprenticeships, will be ready for students this September. A beauty spa, training kitchens, a restaurant/bistro, hairdressing salon, gym, motor vehicle workshop and a car wash are among the new facilities set to be unveiled at the college’s two south London centres in Vauxhall and Clapham. Mark Silverman, principal and chief executive of Lambeth College, said: “What we are offering from September 2013 is a significant step towards becoming an outstanding careers college. “We aim to provide more than just technical training and will give students the skills and support they need to operate in their work and daily lives.” The facilities will be open to the public in order to give students an opportunity to run ‘micro businesses’ in preparation for apprenticeships and future employment. For more information visit: www.lambethcollege.ac.uk By Roxanne Mirza
The college’s spa limelight 7
Interview
Amanda Seyfried
Her Animation Debut Top Hollywood actress Amanda Seyfried has turned her attention away from live action, making her debut in the new animation Epic. Amanda, who starred in the smash hit musical Mamma Mia, takes on the role of Mary Katherine, a teenager who finds herself immersed in a new world. With stars including Beyoncé and Colin Farrell starring in this adventurous animation, Limelight just had to find out the gooey, juicy info that Miss Seyfried had to share... Limelight: What inspired you to be the voice of a character in Epic? Amanda: I’ve never done anything like this before and I like to try new things. Limelight: So this “new thing” was a challenge, right? You have to walk into a booth and act without any of your other co-stars or any props or wardrobe… Amanda: Right, it’s hard to prepare yourself for walking into a dark room with just words. All you can do is believe in the story and the message and you can embody the character. Limelight: And that’s when you count on the filmmakers to help… Amanda: Exactly. They show you how things come together – new colors, new edits, etc. The entire time you crave the finished product, which is unbelievable. Limelight: So when you saw Mary Katherine in animation with your voice and your own gestures, was that crazy? Amanda: It was great, yeah. That’s the whole other thing that I haven’t mentioned – they really try to infuse as much of you into the character as they can. They’re always inventing new ways to capture you communicating as yourself, but through your character. Limelight: Can you tell me 8 limelight
more about Mary Katherine and her part in the story? Amanda: Mary Katherine (aka MK) lost her mother, so she’s coming from a dark and traumatic place in the beginning of the story. Although she’s holding on to some hope and trying to rekindle a connection with her father, which is what her mother would have wanted, I think there’s a lot of resentment, but she also needs him. Unfortunately, he’s not really there for her in the beginning since he’s obsessed with his work and the ‘tiny people’ who live in the forest. It becomes frustrating for MK, she loses hope, and decides to leave. But in a random turn of events, she ends up chasing after their dog one night in the middle of a thunderstorm and somehow awakens to find herself transported to another world. She meets the Leafmen, the people her father has been looking for, and realises he’s not crazy. So her story throughout the rest of the movie focuses on giving her father a second chance and really believing in him. It’s quite beautiful. Limelight: You don’t get to work with Epic’s other actors such as Beyoncé, what was that like? Amanda: Super weird. We’ve all been involved for a year and a half at least and I’d love to say that I’ve done a movie with Christoph Waltz, but I’m not sure it counts since I haven’t met him! When I signed on, I kept seeing all of these articles about everyone else that was signing on. I told myself to calm down and then I saw Beyoncé! Limelight: Do you think Mary Katherine is a role model? Amanda: Absolutely and I think it’s part of my job to play a role model, to be a strong woman with a voice, especially these days. So I do keep my young audience in mind and that’s partly why I wanted to make a film like this. It’s important to be a part of a positive message for kids. I’m proud to do that through my work. Epic is on DVD from October 2013 Edited by Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Hall
“I think it is part of my job to play a role model, to be a strong woman with a voice” limelight 9
Fashion
Afro Hair and Beauty Live is back and better than ever! By Barbara Bielecka
O
ne of the most colourful and exciting events in the fashion and beauty calendar was back at the Islington Business Design Centre on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 26 and 27. Your Bank Holiday may have been fun-filled, but I bet it had nothing on the lively and breathtaking Afro Hair and Beauty Live? Visitors were treated to a variety of showcases displaying the latest ethnic hair and beauty products from the USA, at the event, which has now been running for 31 years. In addition, celebrity stylists, award-winning hairdressers and top beauticians were on hand to give the best hair and skin care advice to the energetic public who wandered around in one of the most stylish exhibition centres in London. Afro Hair and Beauty Live was not only a great opportunity for visitors to grab hold of some of the finest hair and beauty products around, but it also allowed up-and-coming as well as established companies to interface with thousands of high spending consumers in just two days! With makeovers, ‘a battle of the barbers’ competition, fashion shows and live entertainment grabbing so much attention, a buzzing atmosphere prevailed, which was more than just a little contagious!
For more about Afro Hair and Beauty Live visit: www.afrohairshow.com With thanks to Eulan George (photographer)
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limelight 11
Music
common tongues unleashed!
R
210mm x
esiding on the shores of Brighton, the five piece band Common Tongues combine their love of tender and poignant song writing with a passion for experimentation and atmospherics. Since forming in early 2010, they have not only been enlightening young audiences with music inspired by the 1960s and the folk/alternative genre, but bagged ‘a best new act’ gong, in the 2011 Brighton Music Awards.Limelight had a quick chat with the band’s frontman, Tom Anderson about their journey so far... Limelight: Who are your main inspirations? Tom: Oli and I have always been really big Damien Rice fans and we listen to a lot of The Beatles’ records. We love listening to old bands and artists and of course a lot of new bands including Fleet Foxes who are really big influences. Limelight: Have you always enjoyed the music you play? Tom: Yeah, I have some very old recordings from when I was 16. I enjoyed making music more than listening to the quality of the sound. Being creative is fun! Limelight: Are you currently signed to a label? 147mm Limelight:Layout 1 10/6/13 18:48 Page 1 Tom: We’d like a record (deal), but you don’t necessarily
need a record label to do the things we do right now. Limelight: You recently released your single Solitary Thinker, what was the inspiration behind it? Tom: It’s about paranoia and the solitude coming from that. It can push people away. The video we made was based on a man coming back from war who can’t adjust and can’t help but not let people in. Limelight: You’ve played at various festivals over the past year. Is there one specific festival that you would all love to play at? Tom: I went to Latitude a few years ago and saw so many cool people there like Damien Rice and Arcade Fire. I’d love to play there. Limelight: Have you had any crazy fan moments? Tom: I wouldn’t be able to tell you if I did because at the end of the day, they may be crazy but they’re our fans. Having said that, there are definitely a lot of characters out there. Limelight: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming artists or those who wish to pursue a career in music? Tom: Just get out there and play everywhere. That’s the main piece of advice I can give. It’s easy to just talk about how you can go about becoming successful.
APPLY NOW FOR CAREER in the environment or SEPTEMBER 2013! working with plants, trees, Ring Admissions on 08456 122122 flowers or animals? or email en qu iries@capel.ac.uk Could this be your future path? If you’re 16 to 18 and horticulture is on your horizon; you’d like to branch out into tree surgery; blossom into a floristry career or get wild with animals; your future starts here… Capel Manor is a unique alternative to staying on at school. Our full-time courses are equivalent to A levels and GCSES and combine practical and academic studies, giving you the option of getting a job or going into higher education. Subjects include: gardening, landscape construction, animal care/management, balloon artistry, floristry, garden design, arboriculture (the study of trees), countryside/environment studies, and saddlery.
Want to get training, on the job? If you’re fed up of having no money but still want the chance to train for a nationally recognised vocational qualification, an apprenticeship could be for you. Ring 08456 122122 ext 1160 or email apprenticeships@capel.ac.uk.
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Admissions: 08456 122122 enquiries@capel.ac.uk www.capel.ac.uk
12 limelight
Combining qualifications with experience
Interview
THE RISE OF
UNION J mine to appear on The X Factor. We loved every minute of it. [Limelight: I voted for you every week. Jaymi: Thank you very much!] Limelight: Do you still keep in touch with your X Factor mentor Louis Walsh and fellow X Factor contestants? Jaymi: All of the contestants keep in touch. We always try and contact Louis as much as we possibly can but obviously he’s extremely busy and so are we. Limelight: How did you deal with the pressure of The X Factor? Boxers or briefs? Jaymi: I honestly don’t know how we handled Boxers. it. It’s stressful but in the end the pressure was worth it. We were doing what we love to do. Limelight: Was all the pressure you were under worth it in the end? Jaymi: Absolutely! It was the best thing we’ve ever done. Limelight: Who are your major influences in the music industry? Biggest guilty Jaymi: Personally, I love Beyoncé and Jason pleasure? Derulo. They’re major influences of mine! Glee! Limelight: If you didn’t go on The X Factor, I love Glee! what do you think you’d be doing right now? Any hidden Jaymi: I’d probably still be teaching – being a talents? support teacher and trying to make it in the None whatsoever! music industry. One Direction Limelight: What are you most looking forward to or The Wanted? on your mini tour across the UK? Both! Jaymi: I think just getting out there, visiting difZombie ferent places and meeting as many fans as we Apocalypse or can. Touring is such an amazing experience so I Alien Invasion? can’t wait to do it again. It’s so much fun. Alien Invasion! Limelight: Have you had any crazy fan moments Tattoos or so far?
The lads of Union J blew audiences away with their vocal abilities and cheeky personalities on series nine of the popular singing competition The X Factor. The boys left the show in the semi final, but now they’re back and ready to show the world what they’re made of, as Danielle McGrath found out from band member Jaymi Hensley Limelight: Your first single Carry You received great feedback. Can you describe the meaning behind the song? Jaymi: The song’s basically about our journey together as we came together on The X Factor and also a message to fans. On the show, we sang Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth and it was dedicated to them. We wanted to tell them to not listen to what other people think and just be themselves. Limelight: What can your fans expect from your debut album? Jaymi: The fans can expect quite a diverse album. We want to make it as good as possible and we want to try as many different sounds so that there’s something in it for everybody. Limelight: What sets you aside from other boy bands in today’s music industry? Jaymi: I don’t know. I think our voices are very different and that’s what makes our music a little different from what’s out there today but we don’t want to create an entirely new sound. We want to be on par with what’s working at the minute. Limelight: Did you enjoy the whole X Factor experience? Jaymi: Absolutely. It’s always been a dream of
14 limelight
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
piercings? Tattoos.
JJ Hamblett
Josh Cuthbert
Jaymi Hensley George Shelley
Jaymi: Yeah, the fans are a bit crazy but that’s why we love them! I love how animated they are and how they treat us. We’re like a big family. Limelight: Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? Jaymi: Jason Derulo, hands down. That would be an amazing collaboration! Limelight: Many of our readers are aspiring musicians and singers. What advice would you give them if they were hoping to apply for The X Factor next year? Jaymi: It would be the best thing for you to do. It’s a great platform and it’s an amazing avenue to take. Union J’s debut album will be released later this year Edited by Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Hall
“The fans are a bit crazy but that’s why we love them!” limelight 15
Interview
y il L ia l e m A r o f r e v O r e v e N ’s The Part y She was the comeback queen of the year, as The X Factor 2011 wildcard winner, who ended up coming third in the show. Since then Amelia Lily has shot a music video in Los Angeles (LA) and travelled up and down the country touring with Girls Aloud, the UK’s biggest girl band. With so much success in such a short space of time Cynthia Mosengo just had to catch up with the trendy 18-year-old to find out about her latest album, the X Factor experience, her funny fan moments and so much more… was to make supit versatile so that people Limelight: You have just finished Amelia: I think I would like to do could kind of get to know me as a porting Girls Aloud on their tour, how something quite out of my comfort person as well as a singer. There are was that experience for you? maybe work with a male rapper lots of great sounds in there and I am zone, Amelia: It was absolutely amazing. I or an RnB artist. I’ve never rapped really proud of it. I think that people still can’t believe I did it to be honbefore or done an RnB track. I think are going to be able to see that I’m est. They’re one of my favourite girl it would also be really cool to work not just a one trick pony. bands and I went to see them four with a boy band. Limelight: Where do you see yourself years ago. Supporting them four Limelight: What are your hobbies? in five years’ time? years later was just great. To be honest, I don’t have Amelia: Hopefully still doing what I’m Amelia: Limelight: How do you feel about hobbies - but I am really good many doing now, only I hope to be bigger the release of your third single Party at dying hair if that counts! and better! Over? t: What are the perks to your Limelight: If you could have any other Limeligh Amelia: I am so excited. I feel quite lifestyle? job, what would it be and why? passionate about this single because Amelia: I think I over-party, but that is Amelia: It’s quite hard to say. I’ve I feel like it was something I never definitely a perk. thought I would actually do because Limelight: Have you had any funny it’s like a drum and bass track. The fan moments that you would care to whole thing is surreal, it’s cool to try share with us? new things and I just absolutely love Amelia: One time, I actually brought the track. myself a pink scooter to go around Limelight: Of course we have to ask the venues at the Girls Aloud shows. what The X Factor experience was [Days later] I turned up at a radio stalike for you? tion and all my fans were on scooters! Amelia: Crazy! It was definitely stressThat was pretty funny. ful, but it gave me opportunities and a Limelight: You shot a music video in platform to be where I am now and I LA, how did that feel? am very grateful for that. Amelia: I did two actually, which was Limelight: How was it having Kelly just incredible. For starters I love LA Rowland as a mentor? and to be able to go out there for Amelia: A little bit daunting. Obviwork reasons and shoot the videos was ously, you’re so used to listening to amazing. Destiny’s Child or Kelly Rowland as a Limelight: What do you feel sets pop star and then you end up workyou aside from other singers in the ing with her and it’s like “wow, is this industry? always liked to create things and so actually happening?” So it was pretty Amelia: I think I’m very individual I definite ly feel I would have done surreal at first but incredible overall. because I don’t try to be like anyone something like hair or make up. Limelight: Do you still keep in contact else. I’m just Amelia and I think that’s Limelight: What’s a typical day like for with her or any other X Factor contesthe best thing you can do, to be you you? tants? and do what is comfortable. Amelia: Well, it’s hard to say because Amelia: Yeah, I see Little Mix and Limelight: What advice would you give every single day is different. One day Misha B quite a lot, as they are signed to young aspiring musicians? I might be in the studio, the next day to Sony like I am and it’s really nice to Amelia: To go for it, believe in yourself doing TV work and the day after see them. and just be you; that’s the best advice interviews so it’s very different all the Limelight: What can we expect from I can give anyone. time. your debut album Be A Fighter? Edited by Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Limeligh t: Is there anyone in particuAmelia: Be A Fighter is a very diverse Hall lar you’d like to collaborate with? album. What was really hard for me
“The X Factor experience was definitely stressful, but it gave me opportunities and a platform to be where I am now”
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Talented Amelia talks to Limelight
limelight 17
Careers
TALKING SHOP WITH... A SIMPLY FABULOUS MAGAZINE EDITOR! And the award for Editor Of The Year 2012 goes to… Rachel Richardson! Never heard of her? Well, unlike her celebrity contacts Rachel stays hidden in the shadows editing Britain’s most popular glossy magazine: Fabulous. However, we at Limelight thought this sensational editor and role model deserved some time in the spotlight and so one day in April we barged into her office and sat her down for an unforgettable interview! Hold on tight readers! Stellar advice coming your way!
“If you want to become a journalist do as much as you can to make yourself stand out from the crowd”
Limelight: How different is it working for a magazine than a newspaper? Rachel: Oh, massively different. From my perspective working for a magazine is much more fun. Newspapers are about delivering information really quickly, while magazines are a bit more about an experience and being able to flex your style of writing. If you are a very visual person magazines will appeal a lot more. Limelight: What advice would you give to an aspiring journalist?
Rachel: Do as much as you can to make yourself stand out from the crowd, by getting as much experience as possible because nowadays it’s hard. It’s very easy to look at a news stand and see all these magazines but in a few years some of them may not be around. So definitely do not limit your options and show you’re hardworking and enthusiastic. Limelight: What are the main qualities that help when applying for a job in journalism? Rachel: I think the difficulty for young people now is that when we advertise a job we get inundated and so how you present yourself is really important. A CV that’s appealing and clean with no errors is definitely recommended. If you secure an interview on the basis of a strong CV then the next step is about just absolutely wowing in your interview and being as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as possible. Limelight: In each issue of Fabulous there are often young and old celebrities stealing the cover. Do you always have your younger readers in mind when you choose? Rachel: We have a tricky task compared to other magazines, in the sense that any magazine on a news stand usually has a sharp focus around their audience; so in terms of selling, if it’s a young magazine they will be selling
quick Fire! questions KFC or McDonalds? McDonalds The Sun or The Daily Mail? The Sun The Daily Mirror or The Daily Mail? The Daily Mail (Fashion scene)London or Milan? London Milkshake or nourishment? Milkshake
products that young people want. As we are a supplement, we come with The Sun on Sunday; we’ve got 3.7 million readers and so we can’t be narrow in focus. We want people to think that we are young, fresh and relevant, but don’t want to exclude women in their 40s, 50s or 60s, so there’s a bit of a balancing act. We would never do four teenage girls in a row. One week we may have someone in their 30s and another in their late teens. For us to put an older person on the cover, ideally they would be young at heart and have a zest for life- it’s a bit more about the person’s attitude than their age. Lulu is a good example of an older person we would put on the cover. Limelight: In 2001 you gained a Politics degree at the University Of Glasgow. Is politics something you considered getting into?
Rachel: Oh definitely not. I knew I wanted to get into journalism and I had these really lofty visions of being a lobby journalist (who spends a lot of time in the Houses of Parliament, trying to find political news stories). When I did my postgraduate course in journalism I realised the things I actually enjoyed and so ended up going down the showbiz route. Limelight: Did you ever think you’d be awarded Editor Of The Year at The British Society of Magazine Awards in 2012? Rachel: No, I didn’t and if you actually saw me go get that award you’d realise, I did it with such little grace. I was shrieking and running around like a lunatic! By Cynthia Mosengo, Terrelle Iziren, Kristela Phillipou and Danielle McGrath Edited by Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Hall
apply nOw for September
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Beyoncé or Lady GaGa? Beyoncé
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Limelight with Rachel 18 limelight
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19 MERTON • TOOTING •limelight WANDSWORTH
Reviews
book
Be Careful what you wish for 5/5
Roxana (left) and Barbara (right)at The Vogue Festival
Fashion
The Vogue Festival 2013 5/5 With last year’s tremendous success, Vogue decided to stage this prestigious event once again in the glittering city of London. The two-day event, held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall aimed to highlight the world’s finest fashion and beauty, and boy did it deliver! With riveting interviews from the likes of celebrated fashion photographer Mario Testino, the flamboyant fashionista Donatella Versace and Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham, there was little to complain about. I particularly enjoyed the interview with the Israeli fashion designer Abler Elbaz, which contained a lot of funny elements and total satisfaction! Captivating interviews were not the only component that made this glamorous event so successful; makeovers and photo-shoots were also on hand to make the day memorable and spectacular. This meant that after a hard day’s work speedily taking notes from some of the biggest names in fashion, visitors could receive an out of this world Dior make-over and a Vogue self-cover portrait to go with it. Wow! Should The Vogue Festival make a return, then go to it, as complete fulfillment and enjoyment will be guaranteed! By Barbara Bielecka 20 limelight
Could you imagine how it would feel to own your favourite football club? Simon Jordan certainly could as he was a man who dared to dream. In his autobiography, Be Careful What You Wish For, Simon explained how despite leaving school with poor grades he still managed to become a success as a business man and owner of Crystal Palace Football Club. Simon created his own mobile phone business, Pocket Phone Shop, with his friend, Andrew Briggs, in 1994. Six years later, the business had 167 nationwide outlets, 660 employees and a £52 million turnover for the financial year ending in 2000. That same year, Simon and Andrew sold Pocket Phone Shop to mobile phone giant One 2 One (now T-Mobile) for £73 million. Then Simon bought Crystal Palace Football Club, which he had been a fan of since childhood. During his decade long tenure as chairman of Palace, his feats included winning promotion to the Premier League in 2004. The ambitious multi-millionaire didn’t limit himself to football, as in 2008 he produced the film Telstar: The Joe Meek Story, based on the life of 60s record producer Joe Meek. This autobiography has thrills, spills and moments that will make you burst out laughing. I recommend it not only to football lovers, but aspiring entrepreneurs as well. For a copy visit Amazon.co.uk By Terrelle Iziren
Restaurant
Chefs Restaurant 4/5
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful night out , after a tough day revising or working, Chefs Restaurant is the perfect place. With two or three
course meals starting at only £8, you would think you’d get a pile of plaster on your plate, but Chefs offer wellprepared, well-presented and mouthwatering options. Chefs Restaurant is Croydon College’s very own purpose-built eaterie designed to give all hospitality students the opportunity to experience a realistic gourmet working environment. The restaurant caters for everyone’s needs with a wide variety of foods from around the world. Taking our seats in the warm and welcoming Chefs’ coffee bar, we immediately felt comfortable, with the jazz style vibe adding to the feeling. The students working for the restaurant were extremely friendly. The waiter serving us for the night regularly asked if we were happy with our food. And we most certainly were! Our main course was the Fillet of Plaice Veronique. The fish was cooked to perfection and served with mash potato and a variety of vegetables. The portion size of this delicious dish was so generous that it filled us up, but still left us wanting more! The rich flavours of the dessert – chocolate and orange tort – was an amazing way to end the evening. It came with fresh strawberries which we demolished as soon as the plates were set on our table. After a big starter and a dinner which filled our stomachs, we definitely started to struggle with the dessert. However, we managed to finish it. The flavours were just too good to leave unfinished! Chefs Restaurant isn’t a Michelin star establishment, but the food and service would make you think different! We’re glad we had a great three course meal served in a great place by great staff. Reviewed by Danielle McGrath and Kristela Phillipou
PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS Alexandra Daddario made her acting debut at 16, when she was cast to play Laurie Lewis on the hit soap opera All My Children. After a run of 43 episodes, she graduated to the big screen, taking a role in Noah Baumbach’s 2005 indie The Squid and The Whale. In 2006 she was picked by director and star Ethan Hawke for a role in his film The Hottest State, before returning to television roles on shows such as Damages, Life On Mars, White Collar and Parenthood. She reprises the role of Annabeth in Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Logan Lerman is also reprising his role as Percy in the sequel to Percy Jackson and The Olympian: The Lightning Thief. When the safety of Camp Half-Blood is threatened, she and Percy, along with Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) and Percy’s newly-discovered half-brother Tyson (Douglas Smith) set out on another quest. Limelight: When did you decide you wanted to be an actress? Alexandra: When I was a kid, I went to a lot of different lessons growing up and one of the lessons I went to were acting lessons. I used to watch a lot of Broadway plays growing up in New York. I think I saw Les Misérables on Broadway like 12 times. I wanted to be on the stage and I would choreograph dances to the songs and I knew the whole soundtrack. Limelight: You get to work with some great names on Percy Jackson such as Nathan Fillion and Stanley Tucci… Alexandra: They’re both hysterical and really, really nice guys. Nathan
Interview
Alexandra Daddario
was only in for a couple weeks I think but everyone loves him. With Stanley, we were doing rehearsal just for camera and he went in and did the speech in a ‘just rehearsing’ sort of way, but he did it full-on and he was ad-libbing a little bit and just hysterical. Limelight: How do you get on with Logan? Is it nice to be back with him? Alexandra: Logan’s a great actor and he’s so great to work with. That’s one of the things about all the people we worked with on Percy Jackson: everyone is really serious minded when it comes to their jobs but also they have a great sense of humor in order to lighten it when the hours are long. Limelight: Why do you think the first movie resonated with people all over the world? Alexandra: We all have problems growing up. Fights in families, this and that, or you could have ADHD, dyslexia, all the things that are talked about in Percy Jackson, but you can still do whatever you want to do and it still makes you special and I think that’s the message that everybody relates to.
Limelight: Does that make playing Annabeth a real responsibility, then? You have to make her believable… Alexandra: Yeah, she has to be a real human. No one is just pure evil or pure good, or pure this or pure that. She’s really tough and she can be really strong and mean, but she’s also really vulnerable and sweet and loving. What she’s going to save is very close to her heart, so it’s personal this time.
Want to win a prize?
To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question correctly. One of Alexandra’s Percy Jackson co-stars is which actor below? Logan Lerman
limelight 21
Education
How to produce an outstanding
university application While great grades are important in helping you secure a university place of your choice, so too is the quality of your Ucas application. Here Richard Emborg, director of student recruitment and admissions at Durham University, offers some invaluable tips to help you to make a good impression “A personal statement is a crucial part of the Ucas application. Personal statements are used to help make a number of admissions decisions, including whether to invite an applicant for an interview, make an offer, accept an applicant who has narrowly missed the conditions of the offer and, at Durham, even what college an applicant will be attached to. There is diversity across universities and between courses over the preferred content of personal statements, with some preferring a purely academic focus. Durham particularly values those that have evidence of academic and non-academic ability. It is worth checking university websites to see if a preference is stated. [Students] should take time writing a statement and ideally refine it over a few weeks. [They] should not rely on their computer to correctly identify all spelling and grammatical errors - basic mistakes will weaken a statement. Make sure the content is accurate. It is a statement for an academic programme of study so it should have the appropriate tone: humour is best avoided as it does not always translate well in writing. [Students] should research the courses they want to apply for and be 22 limelight
enthusiastic and promote themselves. Some of the best statements we see at Durham stand out from the crowd and the best way to do this is for it to be written by the student. Guidance on refining a statement might be useful but students should not lose their uniqueness by allowing others to write it for them, or by copying what others have written. Ucas runs similarity detection checks and notifies universities if any similarities are identified, which could result in an offer not being made.” To impress Durham, the country’s fifth best university - according to The Times Good University Guide - students should cover three main areas:
top 10 most overused personal statement opening sentences 1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in... (used 464 times)
7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with...
2. From a young age I have always been interested in... (309 times)
(178 times)
3. From an early age I have always been interested in... (292 times) 4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career... (275 times) 5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with...
8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in... (166 times)
9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since... (141 times)
10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and...
(196 times)
(138 times)
6. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only”... (189 times)
Reproduced from the ‘Ucas Guide to Getting into University and College’ with permission of Ucas - available from www.ucasbooks.co.uk
For example, showing reading around the subject or their own opinions about currently expressed thinking on a relevant topic. Also project or voluntary work, extra-curricular interests or work experience that is relevant to the subject. 3. What can you offer the university? We are looking for what
evidence of their knowledge of the subject area, where it could lead and why it interests them.
students can contribute to the course and the institution. This could be hobbies, leisure activities, sports, extra-curricular activities, responsibilities at school/college or elsewhere and personal achievements.” By Terrelle Iziren
2. What makes the student particularly suitable to study the subject?
Richard Emborg was interviewed by The Times.
1. Why do they want to study the subject? For example, giving
“Students should not lose their uniqueness by copying others. Ucas runs similarity detection checks and notifies universities if similarities are identified”
University Centre Croydon offers a wide variety of Full and Part-Time courses from Higher National Certificates through to Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees and Postgraduate qualifications. Subjects include: BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING BUSINESS CRIMINOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE DIGITAL FILM PRODUCTION EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES EDUCATION FASHION FINE ART GR APHIC DESIGN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW
CO NTACT Croydon College College Road Croydon CR9 1DX
PHONE +44 (0) 20 8760 5914 EMAIL info@croydon.ac.uk WEBSITE www.croydon.ac.uk 23
advertorial
Croydon College Community Day Croydon College dazzled the community once again with its annual Community Day on Wednesday 12 June 2013.
T
he Community Day also celebrated Vocational Qualification Day (VQ Day) which recognises the value of vocational qualifications with demonstrations and activities throughout the Day, such as have-a-go smoothie making and bricklaying. All College departments were partnered in relation to each individual course area. Harley Street Skin Care Clinic united with the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy department, Mott MacDonald joined with the Engineering department and Camberley Auto Factors Ltd exhibited alongside the Motor Vehicle department. Other exhibitors included: Sankofa Care, People & Planet, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, the Royal Tandoori Restaurant, NHS, Croydon Council, Reds10, Department for Work and Pensions (Job Centre Plus), Fairfield Halls and Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre. The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Yvette Hopley opened the stage demonstrations from Hospitality, Travel, Student Life, Health and Social Care, Public Services and Visual and Performing Arts course areas. Leslie Watson from Harley Street Skin Care Clinic was very impressed with the success of the event: “The Community Day was really great! It was wonderful to be part of such an aspirational experience at Croydon College. The students and the staff were fantastic; it’s a perfect way to find out about the courses. I’m really looking forward to next year.”
Talented teen triumphs in the face of unimaginable tragedy James Deslandes, 16, is a footballer at Fulham Development Academy as well as a business and PE student at Harris Academy Beckhenham. But this is only part of James’ story, a part that probably wouldn’t have been scripted if he hadn’t shown a true victor’s courage
D
uring the early hours of New Year’s Day, in 2010, double tragedy struck as James’s older brother Darren was shot dead in his family’s pub, The Newton Arms, in Thornton Heath, south London. James’s other brother Junior was left fighting for life, but thankfully survived despite a bullet being shot through his skull. Following the multiple family tragedies, James prepared to sit his GCSEs at Thomas Moore Catholic School in Purley, south London. Just days before James sat his first exam, his father (Winty) sadly lost his short battle against cancer. But this didn’t stop James triumphing with two A*, two Bs and seven C grades. “I was predicted lots of Ds, but came out with lots of top grades. I’m quite proud of myself,” admitted James. What motivated this amazing teen despite these tragic events? “My dad and my brother, Darren,” revealed James. “What mostly motivated me, though, was the thought that I had to take care of my family, because my other brother Junior was injured and couldn’t support the
family financially.” Motivation aside, the Fulham trainee admitted there were moments where he felt like throwing in the towel. “I’ve experienced lots of setbacks in football. Recently, with AFC Wimbledon I felt I’d done enough for
Sports a contract, but didn’t get one. [For days I didn’t] really talk to anyone, not even my mum, my brother or my girlfriend.” James was a late beginner in football, at “around 12 or 13”, but showed such potential that he was taken to Brentford FC’s training camp by his agent, earning his first trial there. After that, he moved to Palace Guard before switching to Premier League outfit Fulham. Away from the hustle and bustle of the beautiful game, James’s main hobbies include acting. So which actors stand out for James? “Columbus Short who starred in Stomp The Yard. I’ve been watching a lot of movies that he’s in,” James revealed. The teenage sensation even began his own production company with close friends, who get to act, sing and tell jokes. Now James can point to the sky with a broad smile, as his focus and hard work have paid off. “I spent three years training and jogging in the snow, rain or sunshine, just to be where I am today.” The Fulham Football Club Academy defender, who wants to make it all the way to the Premiership, offered words of wisdom to those who like him, have experienced tragedy, but want to become success stories. “Keep your head down. If you want your dream, go out there and achieve it.” By Terrelle Iziren Photographer: Eulan George
Aged 16? Then start training with JACE
Limelight speaks out on...
Bullying! B
ullying can have a detrimental effect on a child’s personal as well as school life. It has the potential to lower self-esteem and cause other wider mental health issues, which can result in lower levels of achievement both academically and out of school. Bullying is NOT cool. Words you say or things you do can scar someone for life and can drive children to suicide in extreme cases. Stop and think before you say something that could potentially threaten someone’s life. If you wouldn’t want someone to say it to you, then it’s probably best to keep it to yourself.
Edited by Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Hall
“My bullying at school changed my life” If you’ve ever been bullied, your past experiences can help others. Singer Demi Lovato is the face of an anti-bullying campaign in the US. In 2010, she was admitted into an inpatient facility just outside of Chicago, Illinois where she dealt with eating disorders and self-harm due to past bullying. Demi has gone on to accomplish great things; her new album, Demi, went to number one in the US as well as other countries and after inspiring others, received an award given by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, who celebrated Demi’s courage for talking about her past struggles. During the awards event Demi said: “I’m a survivor of mental health and substance abuse issues, and I’m not ashamed.”
26 limelight
FORMS OF BULLYING
Nowadays most people see bullying as just an act of physical violence, but this is not the case, as there are many types of bullying, including: l Verbal abuse l Threats of violence l Cyber bullying l Sexual abuse
The most common form of bullying faced today is cyber-bullying. Surrounded constantly by mobile phones and other types of technology, it’s easy for bullies to cowardly hide behind technology.
there. Don’t be afraid to talk to teachers or parents. Someone will be there for you. A few months ago, TV personality and model Jodie Marsh premiered her two part documentary Jodie Marsh: Bullied on Channel 5. Cameras followed her around America as she attempted to gain an insight into how schools dealt with bullying. Then she brought her findings back to the UK. Her past experiences also led to great things. She said: “My bullying at school changed my life. I only do what I do now because of being bullied.”
Take an Apprenticeship: EARN while you LEARN
By Danielle McGrath and Kristela Phillipou
Anti-bullying hotlines
PREVENTION The main thing you can do to prevent bullying from happening is to speak out, or if you’re the bully, simply don’t do it. To the bullied, you’re not alone. There is help out
Childline: 0800 1111 http://www.bullying.co.uk/ Bullybusters: 0800 169 6928
statisticS According to Bullying UK’s 2006 national survey
l 38% of young people have been affected by cyberbullying. l 46% of children and young people say they have been bullied at school at some point in their lives. l 69% of children in the UK report being bullied. l It is estimated that 20 children and adolescents a year commit suicide due to bullying. l 37% of those who attempt suicide require medical assistance.
Anti-bullying campaigners Demi Lovato and Jodie Marsh
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limelight 27
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