Hi Wesley, thanks for your time. Please tell our readers who you are: Where do you live, where do you go to school, or what work do you do?
I'm Wesley Conradie from Ida's Valley, Stellenbosch. I'm technically a fifth-year student, but this year I'm pursuing my purpose, calling and passion to become a teacher, through Unisa.
How did you hear about the Talent 360 project and what made you want to enter?
I found out about the competition through Facebook. I decided to enter, because I wanted to pursue every avenue possible for me to do that which I love, which is poetry. The Talent 360 project presented me with a platform to showcase that which I believe myself to be very good at.
Congratulations on being one of the three semi-finalists in the poetry section! How does it feel?
Thank you so much! It really feels amazing and I'm so proud of myself. It's like having ice cream every day! It's such a blessing, an honour and a privilege to have found such favour. It's also really comforting to know I have such amazing friends and family (and maybe strangers I don't know of) who have put so much effort into supporting and encouraging me. Having done that, they contributed greatly to my being a semi-finalist. I am so grateful to them and to Talent 360, their sponsors and their partners for this opportunity
What was the inspiration for your poem? Do you have a muse or specific theme/subject that’s important to you?
I'm really inspired by everything around me in everyday life: people, their stories, circumstances, conversations, friends, and mostly things I experience in my own life. Especially with this poem. I really believe in inspiring hope in people and encouraging them. To make them see we can all change for the better. To quote Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world." That same message is echoed in a song by Michael Jackson: "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change." This poem testifies to the change of heart I had and letting go of my bitter past, and the person I once was.
How long have you been writing poetry? Who is your favourite poet?
One of my favourite poets is Jefferson Bethke. He does spoken word poetry. I love his poetry, because it's honest, sincere, relevant, meaningful, well thought through and straightforward. And that's what I want the heart of my poetry to be, because that's what I believe in.
The Talent 360 contestants will be performing at the US Woordfees – what are your thoughts on this? Are you excited, nervous ...?
Like I said, it's such a privilege and honour. I'm really super-excited and stoked to perform at Woordfees. It's such a prestigious event, showcasing so much talent, and I'm thrilled to be part of it! I'm not nervous now, but that might change a bit closer to the time. I don't know what to expect, but I look forward to it.
What is your biggest dream in life?
To become a very good teacher and writer, who will make a significant difference in people's lives. By being excellent in the gifts and talents that God has given me, so others may also achieve their dreams and reach their goals.
Check out Wesley's poem and recital here.
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