Last Saturday evening the orchard came alive for The Big Shindig, with music, laughter and the glow of firepits filling the air. But what made the event truly special was seeing our students step into real-life roles and thrive.
As part of their hands-on work experience, several of our young people proudly wore their Hitchcox aprons and became an integral part of the event. They had already gone through the process of completing an application form and attending an informal interview, so stepping into the evening felt like a true achievement. With support throughout the night, they rose to the challenge and showed just how capable they are.
From welcoming guests and chatting with customers, to supporting the team in keeping everything running smoothly, they weren’t just helping out, they were part of what made the night a success.
This kind of opportunity is about much more than a single shift. It is about the confidence that grows when you speak to new people, the sense of responsibility that comes from being relied upon, and the pride that comes from knowing your role matters. Watching the students rise to the occasion, you could see how those real-world skills, communication, teamwork and resilience, were being strengthened with every interaction.
There is a magic in being given the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself. For our students, The Big Shindig was exactly that, a chance to experience the energy of a live event, to test themselves in a customer-facing role, and to discover that they have what it takes to shine.
We could not be prouder of how they embraced the evening. They remind us why real-life work experience is such a powerful part of the journey here at Orchard Therapeutic Farm, because it is in moments like these that skills turn into confidence, and confidence turns into a belief in what is possible.