Empowering Teenagers and Building Dreams: A Conversation with Laura Hearfield

World of Women had the privilege of sitting down with Laura Hearfield, the CEO of the Wellspring Teen Center in Vientiane, Laos. The center is a beacon of hope for teenagers, offering support, education, and opportunities to help them thrive. In this interview, Laura shares her inspiring journey, the impact of her work, and the transformative power of empowering young minds.

Laos

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Laos 〰️

Introducing Laura Hearfield:

Laura Hearfield's background is a testament to her dedication to education. Originally from the UK, she grew up in Luxembourg and pursued her passion for education by becoming an English teacher and a school director in various countries. Now, she runs a youth foundation, making a positive difference in the lives of teenagers at the Wellspring Teen Center.

Empowering through Achievement:

Laura's greatest pride lies in witnessing young individuals achieve their dreams. Whether it's building their confidence, honing their skills, or encouraging them to pursue opportunities, Laura finds immense fulfillment in being a catalyst for their success.

Inspirational Women:

When asked about women who inspire her, Laura mentions figures like Brené Brown and Esther Perel, whose powerful messages about women's empowerment and relationship building resonate deeply with her. Additionally, her love for literature has been influenced by women writers, with Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own" having a profound impact on her.

Advice for Young Girls:

To young girls starting their careers, Laura advises them to introspect and identify their passions and strengths. She emphasizes the importance of aligning these qualities to create a strong foundation for their journey ahead.

Dreams and Ambitions:

In her youth, Laura dreamt of becoming an anthropologist or getting involved in environmental work. Though her path diverged from these dreams, she cherishes the fulfillment of her other aspirations, including living in different countries and experiencing diverse cultures.

Gender and Career:

Being part of a generation that witnessed increasing opportunities for women, Laura considers herself fortunate. In the field of education, she sees numerous leadership roles for women. However, she acknowledges that, at times, it requires extra effort to be taken seriously by older male counterparts.

Empowering Teenagers at Wellspring:

The Wellspring Teen Center serves as a community where teenagers from different schools come together to explore activities outside their regular curriculum. English is the medium through which they gain practical language skills beyond the classroom. The center also focuses on skill development, encouraging leadership and engaging in projects centered on environmental sustainability.

Success Stories:

Although the Wellspring Teen Center is relatively young, it has already seen promising success stories. Former students have pursued higher education abroad, and some have even established their own NGOs, making a significant impact on their communities.

Hopes for the Future:

Laura's aspirations for the future revolve around fostering a sense of community and support among people, celebrating each other's achievements, and nurturing tenderness as a strength, especially among women. She envisions a world where everyone believes in their limitless potential, strives to learn, and seeks help when needed.

Conclusion:

Laura Hearfield's journey from an English teacher to the CEO of the Wellspring Teen Center exemplifies the transformative power of education and empowerment. Her dedication to helping teenagers achieve their dreams and build a better future is a beacon of hope, inspiring young minds to reach for the stars. The Wellspring Teen Center continues to be a safe haven for the youth, fostering skills, confidence, and a passion for making a positive impact on the world.