One of the first tasks I was given when I started my job at ESM three months ago was to write a blog about how I'd found my first week.

I’m halfway through my time here, and so I thought it was time for an update on how life has been at ESM and what we’ve been up to. So, here’s what I’ve learned in my three months here so far.

1) Be ready to adapt

ESM is a dynamic, fast-paced environment. It’s important to plan and be prepared, but I’ve also learned that being overly committed to the plan will only hinder you. Tasks and obstacles have a tendency to pop up without much warning, so you have to be ready to alter the plan and adjust your priorities to make sure that things are completed on time and to the highest quality.

For example, when I was given the opportunity to interview Dr. Ashley Morgan (The Doc), a feminist scholar I admire, I was only given a day-and-a-half’s notice to interview her and write up an article published on Welsh Football Fans for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 

It was a challenge and I felt the pressure but I’m really proud of the result.

And speaking of Welsh Football Fans…

2) Welsh Football is actually pretty cool

Admittedly, I knew almost nothing about football before starting this job. I’m still no expert, but it’s been genuinely heartwarming to see the love and passion that fans have for the sport in Wales.

I recently went on my first shoot, which was for the FAW’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy launch. I got to work with the brilliant poet and self-proclaimed lesbian heartthrob, Sarah McCreadie, as well as the Welsh football legend, Robert Earnshaw - who told me that I’m sharp (just a little humblebrag there). 

It was such a fun experience and it opened my eyes to the real efforts being made to combat the issues of homophobia, racism, and misogyny that are often associated with football culture. I’m glad to be a small part of that change.

3) Graphic design is addictive

Slowly but surely, I’ve been getting to grips with Adobe software and I’ve made some graphics that I’m pretty pleased with.

Something as basic as just putting text on an image can take lots of moving and tweaking until it looks right. It can be time-consuming and addictive, but it is a satisfying learning process. 

Seriously, though, it must take years of practice to actually be able to use PhotoShop efficiently, so any tips on how I can speed up that process would be much appreciated.

4) Honesty is the best policy

Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s true. Since I started here, I’ve challenged myself to be as open and honest as possible about my identity, my gender, and my mental health.

In my first blog post and in my first week, I revealed the fact that I’m non-binary.

I’ve also had very candid discussions with my boss, Alex, about the difficulties I have with my mental health and how it affects me at work.

Talking openly about these things is a pretty terrifying prospect. But I’ve learned that pushing yourself to be open is worth it, and it does get easier every time you do it.

I feel very grateful to work in an environment that’s flexible, understanding, and accepting when it comes to mental illness and gender nonconformity.

5) There are a lot of films I need to watch

So, apparently, I’m pretty uncultured.

I’ve never seen any of the Star Wars or Lord of the Rings films (please don’t come for me — they’re just not my thing!). I’ve never seen Top Gun or Gone with the Wind. It’s only a matter of time before the team pins me down, A Clockwork Orange style (a film I have actually seen), and forces me to watch them.

But, aside from realising how uncultured I am, working at ESM has been a great experience. 

On top of everything I’ve learned, I’d also like to think that I’ve had my own impact on life at ESM, albeit a small one.

Alex has started using oat milk instead of dairy in his tea and coffee (he claims it’s nothing to do with me, but I’m the one who started bringing oat milk into the office - coincidence?). You heard it here first, folks: ESM is going plant-based!

It’s a great place to work and I’m grateful for the acceptance and understanding I’ve encountered here, and for all of the opportunities I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone and learn something new.