Yesterday was a celebration of International Youth Day; today is a deep reflection on my own race, the relentless, purpose-driven journey I’ve been running as a young peacebuilder.
I’ve always believed that in life, there will be doors shut and chairs not offered at the table. But I’m certain of this: I created my own path and walked through it.
International Youth Day is a celebration, a time to honour the journeys, achievements, and resilience of young people around the world. But it’s also a reminder to pause and look back at how far we’ve come, despite the obstacles.
When I look back at my early 20s, I remember constantly running, chasing opportunities, speaking at events, applying for programs, and trying to prove myself. There were times when I lacked proper mentorship, when opportunities felt scarce, and when dignity and recognition were not easily given.
And yet, each of those challenges was not a barrier, but a stepping stone.
It’s easy to complain or dwell on what’s missing. But I learned that complaining doesn’t move us forward. What truly propels us is trusting the process, embracing the struggles, and focusing on purposeful action.
So to every young peacebuilder reading this:
Your journey will have twists and turns, and every strategic turn can bring you closer to your goal. But here’s the secret: build your journey on your passion. Passion doesn’t exhaust you, it energises you. When you work from a place of love for what you do, every step, even the hard ones, becomes part of the joy.
- Celebrate your achievements, big and small.
- Value the lessons that challenges bring.
- Trust in your path, even when it feels uncertain.
- Lead with passion, and you’ll never lose your energy.
Let’s celebrate every day as Youth Day, not just the victories, but also the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the courage it takes to keep going. Here’s to our collective growth and to building a more peaceful, just, and compassionate world together.
#InternationalYouthDay #Peacebuilding #YouthLeadership #TrustTheProcess #PassionForChange