Love, Tom

Dear Silverline,

My involvement begun with you through the Studio in 2017.  Our experience together contributed immensely to my unforgettable experience at Otago.  It taught me incredible soft skills and built relationships (other than ours) that I will treasure for a lifetime. 

Our relationship got off to a flying start when, in 2017, your guardian, Sze-En shoulder tapped me in the Link and asked whether I would be like to be involved with your effective creation.  Given that you were still in your infancy, the Studio team gave me the role of being the guiding light to all things male-related in connection with you.  The difference we made to men's mental health at Otago through you was immense.  Initiatives we dreamt up together (and executed) under your Silverline umbrella included Bring a Bro to Yoga, Date with a Mate and It's Not Awkward Bro.  These initiatives had lasting effects on men's mental health and provided a platform for males to broach the subject in whatever way suited them.  Our relationship and time together up until the end of 2019 (including those times shared with others) is one that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. 

These experiences together provided me with skills to manage a team, think of ideas and to back myself.  Whilst I'm not currently working in the mental health space, I think it has shaped the way I view mental health (including my own) and I'm sure it has had the same effect on many other men.   

Please continue to challenge the struggle as I know the positive impact it has on so many lives. 

Yours sincerely,

Tom