I’m pretty sure that if the name Diane was in the dictionary, the definition would be ‘massive geek’. I say this happily and confidently after I spent my bank holiday weekend at Larp. If you’ve seen the film Role Models, you’ll know what I mean by this. If you haven’t, go watch it! If you don’t have time to watch it, Larp is Live Action Role Play. To me this means, running around hitting people with fake swords.
Now stay with me…I know it might sound horrendous to some of you, but, it’s really just like an active camping weekend where I get to spend four days camping (sometimes even in the sun), hanging out with my friends without technology and heaven forbid, there are no mobile phones allowed! I think it’s pretty cool (in the geekiest use of the word!) as I can think of no-where else where adults get to play like kids again without any fear of being judged or labelled!
But, why am I telling you all of this? Firstly, I think it would be great if I could persuade just a few of you reading this to give it a go, but more importantly my message is, think outside the box! When I first heard about Larping I was curious and intrigued, but sceptical. However, I was also persuaded to give it a go, and now I really enjoy it. It also gives me something a bit different to talk about… most importantly, I know that if ever I were to get asked in an interview or meeting to “tell me more about the real you” I have something that will make me stand out! I have a range of hobbies from climbing to airsoft to Larp. While some of these are geekier than others, I know that if I tell a potential employer or contact that I spent my last bank holiday weekend camping in the rain and running around hitting people with foam swords at Larp, I will likely be remembered and, sometimes, that is all you need (it’s better to be “the girl who Larp’s” than “that girl we can’t really remember who we saw before the guy who does…” you get my drift).
So whatever it is you got up to this bank holiday (hopefully you managed a brief break from revision and stress) think about the bigger picture. If you really want to secure that all important internship or job, everything counts!
