In the lead up to our first event of 2019, January Story-share: Advice to my teenage self, we’re catching up with our speakers to find out more about them and get a sneak peak at what they’ll be sharing on the night.

First up, meet Alex Craig – political staffer, lover of animals, and weight-lifting enthusiast.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I’ve lived in Canberra since 2011 after moving here for a job at Parliament House. I’ve worked in politics my entire adult life, and a few years ago I ran a local program that offered subsidised cat desexing to low income earners in a bid to reduce the amount of unwanted kittens in the ACT.

I have three cats of my own (Penny, Robinson, and Martha) and I would love a pet greyhound. On the opposite end of the scale I’m obsessed with reading about cold cases and probably have too much random knowledge about murderers and serial killers. 

What is one thing you absolutely wish you had known when you were a teenager?

The benefits of strength training. I didn’t discover it until my mid-twenties which is a bit sad because it literally changed my life. 

How can feminism help teenagers today (and did it help you when you were a teen)?

I think it shows teenage women their worth and it demonstrates to teenage boys that we should all be equal. I never really knew anything about the feminist movement in my teenage years however I have vivid memories of standing up for myself and other young women in school when faced with gender bias. I think the more young women who are empowered as feminists, the more successful a society we’ll become in the future. 

What is something you’re looking forward to in 2019?

Smashing my existing goals around fitness and health, and creating new goals to meet. 

Is there an empowering book or article you think everyone should read?

Matilda by Roald Dahl. It was one of the first books I read as a child and it taught me about independence, about trusting your own brain power, and about finding your place in the world. It’s also one of those great books that is suitable for all ages. (And let’s be honest, the film is also great).

You can hear more from Alex at the January Story-share: Advice to my teenage self, on Tuesday 15 January at Smith’s Alternative in Canberra.