When I returned from my first holiday I felt very strongly that I wanted to live in Sri Lanka (needed to work with the Sri Lankan community), but I thought the feeling might subside. When it didn’t, I decided to go back to live in Galle for a while and I started to meet people who inspired me and helped bring my vision to life.

On the plane I met a woman who works as a human rights researcher; she in turn introduced me to many supportive ex-pats and my networks began to grow. I decided on the name Serendip which is what the Arab traders used to call Sri Lanka. I met a local man who had experience in setting up charities and he said he would support (bankroll) the project. There was no turning back!

So I set about setting it up as a charity, designing the logo and website, starting a social media strategy, inviting donations etc. I will be moving to Sri Lanka in 2016, which is very exciting.

If you have a purpose (dream) it’s important to follow your instincts and just go for it. Taking a risk can be one of the most important lessons in life and change can be just what the doctor ordered. If I catch myself thinking ‘this is all too much’, I’ll simply step back, regroup (stop thinking about it for the rest of the day and then go back to it) and take on one task at a time – e.g. I’ll ring this person, I’ll write this note, etc.

Yes, Serendip String Tuition is a place where students can come to learn, have lessons, take part in string ensembles, perform concerts, etc. My aim is to give children similar experiences to the ones I had at AYO – a place to forge friendships, learn, be inspired and above all have fun.