Lara

What is your name, how old are you, and where are you from?

I am from Comber, County Down.

What is your current background? Are you studying, working, volunteering, or exploring your next steps?

I am currently studying Planning and Development at Queen’s University Belfast. I also work at Streamvale Open Farm.

Do you have any volunteering or additional roles?

I also volunteer as a youth leader with AM&PM Youth.

You’ve spoken about wanting to build a better future and improve streets in lower socio-economic areas, where does that passion for community development come from?

My passion for building a better future and improving streets in lower socio-economic areas comes from a variety of things, including travelling: I was apart of a group in 2023 in Ohio, USA where we had to carry out a lot of volunteer work such as Salvation Army/ Foodbank: it made me realise that I’d like to build on places where there isn’t as much opportunity. When I was younger I played a lot of video games where I was in charge of community development with architecture such as Animal Crossing NL/NH, Minecraft and Sims 4, I believe these learning games gave me a foundation to full creative freedom. Lastly, I see a lot of unfortunate sights in Belfast daily, where I know that improvements can and should be made therefore I have a passion for improving streets and building better futures.

How has your Russian heritage alongside your Northern Irish upbringing shaped your outlook, particularly in a society still navigating division?

I believe being a dual-national citizen has made my life particularly complicated growing up. In primary school I was certainly at times confused as traditions with peers didn’t line up. My dad has often talked to me quite a lot about what it meant to be “Russian,” and as I got older it has certainly made me think twice in many situations, for example when listening to a podcast how can I trust or believe what the presenter is reading? Are they bias? What is the overall intention?Things like this have led me on to be peacebuilder, because I could be more open minded and I want more people to think twice not jump too soon.

What drew you to Seeds of Hope, and what were you hoping to gain when you first joined?

I joined S.o.h in September 2025 which was a very fresh period in my life as I was just starting University, so I was hoping to get some relaxation time at Corymeela and definitely meet more like minded people to myself. 

What have you learned so far about forming conversations and approaching difficult dialogue in a peaceful way?

I've learned that conversations that are perhaps more difficult should be taken place in peace. Often there are a lot of conversations that take place in seeds of hope which at times can be difficult so what I've learned is that it should be kept more private in small groups with indeed a mediator who can dismiss dominant speakers, encourage quiet speakers and maintain the peace. I also believe that before the conversation starts there should be no pre considered ideas that way the result is usually better.

Are there any moments from the programme, whether deep discussions, simple chats with friends, or even games and worship, that stand out as meaningful to you?

It's the more casual moments that stick out to me for example when a large group of us played impostor and the werewolf game, When I was at Castle Espie I had some very simple moments with friends that just made the start of my year a little bit better. Those are the kind of moments I treasure about the most.

Looking ahead, you’re interested in working for the council, possibly within the Department for Communities, how do you hope to contribute to addressing issues like sectarian division in Northern Ireland?

I would encourage a lot more young people to get involved in peace building groups like myself, relationships can build in peaceful settings. I wish and it is a long shot but for more integrated schools or systems where generations can move on from troubled pasts.