LEVEL 1, LEFT
EAST WING
Used tea bag, camomile with vanilla and honey, featuring text in black biro
Produced by Queen Victoria Teas, 2022
On loan from the personal collection of Simon Edds (b. 1979)
During COVID-19, all of my work in the film industry, and as a Marriage Celebrant, completely dried up. As a result, I was forced to assess what else I could do with my current skills and abilities, and what areas may need updating.
I chose to undertake some tertiary education, which is something I’d avoided since high school, primarily because I didn’t know if I’d be smart enough to do it. I hadn’t gone well in high school, and even though I liked writing, I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to write academically.
All of the studies were done online, which was new to me. I’d never stared at a computer screen for so long my whole life. Initially, I battled against the system, because it didn’t make sense to me, but my lecturers and Academic Support staff persevered and helped me understand what was required. While the research and academic referencing was a challenge, it’s something I grew to really enjoy.
Some days, it felt completely overwhelming and I doubted my own ability, but then Bryce would quietly poke his head through the door and deliver a little snack, or some kind of treat to keep me going. Other times he’d bring in herbal teas, and a hot water bottle during the winter months.
While working on my final essay, I was feeling extra stressed and frustrated, because I wanted it to be really good, but it just wasn’t flowing. Bryce quietly poked his head through the door again and dropped off a tea for me, kissed me on the top of the head and left. It wasn’t until my final sip that I noticed something written on the inside of the tab. I opened it, read it, and gushed with joy from his quiet act of support and encouragement.
He’d written: “🤍U” on the top half, and “I BELIEVE IN YOU!” on the bottom half.
I raced out to the lounge room and gave him an enormous hug. He was really happy that I’d found his hidden message. After this, I got back to my essay writing, eventually completed the work and was awarded a High Distinction (it was on the lowest end of an HD, but it still counts to me.)
Holding on to a used tea bag may seem like something a hoarder would do, but for me it’s a reminder of how one simple act of kindness and love really does have the power to change someone’s world.