Letter to my younger self: Natalie Ojevah

Natalie Ojevah MBE, Eagle Labs Diversity and Inclusion Lead, tells her younger self about the challenges she will overcome and the moments she will be most proud of in the latest in a series of letters from colleagues at Barclays.

Dear Natalie,

You will grow up understanding how mental health can impact a person and those who love and care for them. You will know from a young age the stigma your mum carries on her shoulders.

I’m sorry to say that you will be separated from her so that she can get additional care and rest. But I promise you that she will come back stronger than ever. Through all of this, you will discover that it really does take a village to raise a child – your dad and nan will support you, continuing to make sure you get to all your swimming galas.

There is nothing I can say to prepare you for how your life will change at 15. It breaks my heart, but your little brother Christopher will battle meningitis and join the angels at the age of five. You will learn that time is precious – embrace every moment, every laugh, every argument and every memory you share with him.

You will pass your exams despite attending your brother’s funeral just days before your first Statistics GCSE. It will be the first time you show the strength you hadn’t realised was inside you.

Taking on a Foundation Apprenticeship at Barclays will feel uncomfortable at first. You won’t be an expert on the tills, and it’ll be a big adjustment going from school to a full-time job – while studying at the same time! But 12 months later, guess what? You’ll get a degree, all sponsored by Barclays.

Ten years will pass at the bank, and you’ll wonder where all that time went. You will take on different roles; you will cry and laugh, feel frustrated in some moments, and feel proud in others.

You will end up in a space that you were once deemed “not smart enough” or “too mouthy” to be in. But don’t ever stop being the mouthy one – the one who challenges things and recognises that more needs to be done. Your strength and resilience will see you tackle experiences you never imagined you would have. Never forget where you come from, and make sure to open doors for others.

You will even be responsible for a Barclays first: launching the Black Founder Accelerator, a programme dedicated to Black entrepreneurs, during a pandemic – all while pregnant with your first child. Your beautifully intelligent little son will be the best gift of all.

I don’t know what will happen after that. But what I do know is that whatever it is, you will have the strength and tenacity to get through it.

Always stay true to yourself,

Natalie

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