By Nokutenda Mazumba (Zimbabwe)
During the early days of August in 2023 I travelled to Harare, Zimbabwe for the YYAS residential program. I expected to gain an understanding of how to achieve outstanding grades, improve my life and be a better individual but at the end of the week-long program I had received more than all this.
Within the week I developed a deep appreciation of being a holistic individual through both scheduled and unscheduled interactions. I vividly recall the career track panel I encountered that had people from diverse academic backgrounds who shared their current endeavours, giving an overview of their different challenges and successes. This inspired me to pursue my goals and aim for my aspirations no matter the hurdles I may have to hop over in the future. Another activity that really stirred up transformation in me was the lesson on university application. My instructor highlighted the need to wholeheartedly take part in all activities that I do as they are a crucial component of understanding who I am to those who hear about me. A more important takeaway for me was that embracing these activities will lead to my being more self-aware, a strength that cannot be seized from me. The approach of the program was visionary as it helped me realise that not only do I need to positively transform my life but with impact to those around me. Not only did I learn that I need to work hard to achieve success but I also learnt that it is essential to harness my strengths and the resources within my reach.
One of my biggest takeaways from the experience was the value of networking. The structure of the program itself allowed me to network with my peers and instructors, university admissions officers as well as other impactful and innovative members of society which is a crucial part of our existence. I left the program as part of one of the most diverse families in the world and I could never have done this before YYAS 2023.
The experience initiated a positive shift in my perception of the world. The lessons I learnt cultivated initiative, determination, diligence and consciousness among a wide range of principles within me. Even during the course of the program, I took part in an exercise to identify the challenges faced by society and sustainably solve them which served as quite the eye opener if I am going to be the person my community, country, continent and world needs.
I am very thankful for all the people I met. My words cannot adequately express my gratitude to my beloved instructors for the life lessons imparted. I greatly appreciate the fruitful work done by all who made this profound experience possible because it is incomparable.
I was empowered and equipped to know that I can empower other people as well.