Why I Do What I Do: Rebecca Johnson (HAB, 2006-2011)
We had the privilege of speaking with Rebecca Johnson, an actress who recently established Refresh Kits, a charity dedicated to supporting students facing challenges in accessing hygiene products and understanding the importance of personal hygiene.
Can you tell me a bit about your time at Harris?
Rebecca attended Harris Bermondsey from 2006 to 2011, a period she fondly describes as one of self-discovery. Reflecting on her school days, she recollects the invaluable support and encouragement she received from teachers like Ms. McDonald, who taught her English, and Ms. Jean-Baptist, her inspiring drama teacher. Ms. Jean-Baptist introduced her to the world of performance and ignited her passion for acting. Harris provided her with the opportunity to participate in the Blue Elephant Theatre, where she honed her acting skills, marking a pivotal turning point in her life.
What has life after Harris held for you?
Today, Rebecca is a performer and actor and her passion for drama remains very much intact. Beyond her work in the arts, Rebecca is on a mission to effect positive change in schools. Her motivation for launching "Refresh Kits" stemmed from a moment during a group of female students' work experience at her theatre. She witnessed their hygiene struggles, reminiscent of her own experiences and those of her classmates during their school years. Determined to make a difference, she initiated the Refresh Kits project, which aims to address these hygiene challenges by providing toiletries to high school students. Recently, Rebecca visited Harris Girl’s Academy Dulwich to distribute 100 Refresh Kits to our immensely appreciative students.
The Future of Harris Alumni
We discussed Harris Futures with Rebecca, our mission to create a vibrant network of former students that fosters networking events and opportunities for alumni to share their experiences and wisdom. Rebecca explained that she believes in using their collective experiences to empower and inspire the next generation of Harris students.
Rebecca's journey from a student at Harris Bermondsey to a performer and advocate is a remarkable story of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of education. Her dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students reflects the values instilled in her during her time at Harris. As she continues to shine on stage and make a difference in schools, Rebecca serves as an inspiration to all Harris alumni and current students alike.
Please follow our Harris Futures LinkedIn page for more stories and information about forthcoming events.