Change Alumni - Philip

Alumni Blog: Meet Phillip from Norway

Philip Torp Nilssen is a former CFC participant (2019) and an  aspiring clinical psychologist currently based in Bergen. Philip currently volunteers at Forandringshuset Bergen and supporting youth struggling with substance abuse and living in difficult conditions has been a motor engine for his motivation. 

What has been the most significant change in your life after participating in the Communication for Change program? 

- My stay in South Africa gave me dance joy, spontaneity, hospitality, the urge to follow intuition that might sometimes be difficult to hear in everyday life’s many distractions. Living, travelling and working with people from all over the world has made me so frustrated as I have never been before. At the same time, it has given me stamina and diplomacy in group settings. But foremost, those challenges that might at first seem totally unknown and far away, can be made your own if they are approached carefully and through continuous evaluation from one self and others. And of course, the friendships that I keep close to my heart, even though we are half a world away.  

How did the opportunity to engage and grow with other youth has helped shape/change your view of the world? 

- I believe that CFC really strengthened my view on my and everyone else’s role as a global citizen. In political questions, I always ask myself what global implications that local and national choices signal and communicate to the world society. 

How are these experiences relevant to the work that you are currently doing?  

- Today, I am studying to become a clinical psychologist. I believe that volunteering for youth struggling with substance abuse and living in difficult conditions, has been a motor engine for my motivation. At the same time, I have always liked people. So I would say that CFC as a whole has been a place to be confirmed, both as a dignified human being and as a young aspiring person. And the people that I have met have had the best wishes for me, which helps a lot when I have made decisions for my career and personal life.  Today, I  enjoy sports, music, recreation and volunteering in my spare time. I believe that CFC has enforced my strengths, made me aware of my weaknesses and brought new joy to the aspects of life that should be enjoyed.

 What is your memorable moment, event or fun fact in your experience as a Communication for Change participant? 

- I remember a time when we were touring in Trondheim, Sinegugu, Christina and me spring 2019. Walking around in Trondheim city center while Sine was carrying her big Ipad and taking pictures, striking poses at every street corner and shouting louder than norms should allow; I was genuinely enjoying myself to the fullest. I will never forget our long car journeys, sing-alongs, power talk and of course very musically influenced presentations for NCA: Sine walking down the church aisle while singing a traditional “xhosa” song about ;a crocodile by the river’ really astonished the Norwegian crowd-they didn’t know how to react! 

What contribution do you think you can make in building the alumni and strengthening the CHANGE project? 

- I can be a voice and also currently as a volunteer at Frandringshuset Bergen I am committed to contribute to integration of new participants into the activities. 

What advice would you give to current and aspiring CHANGE participants? 

- Don’t expect your way of giving compassion to others is the same that others will give it to you. Communicate your needs, and be more likely to receive support. Even the greatest leaders need support from those they lead.  

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