Grab every opportunity with both hands

Why did you join the Skills Accelerator opportunity?

I joined the Skills Accelerator opportunity because I desperately wanted to learn more and grow as well as have more real case opportunities bigger than I already had to really grow and expand. I was incredibly blessed to have some insight into what the programme entails and as soon as I knew it felt like "home" which I hadn't felt aside from college. It felt like my prayers for an opportunity like this came true and to gain more work experience and knowledge along with actual certification is an opportunity no one would turn down. I knew the programme won't be easy but everything in life that is worth it means hard work and some sacrifices for a better opportunity and ultimately a better life and for me it meant my dreams of a career in design was now a reality again. The values of Rlabs are values I myself hold very dear and making hope contagious and touching lives and making a change while being able to better yourself is amazing. I have always been someone who has a passion for others and making a positive change and to be able to impact lives and make a change was an opportunity I would not turn down. I saw myself growing in Rlabs and the mission they have set out and the vision is one I wanted to be apart of.

How has Skills Accelerator benefited you thus far?

The skills accelerator venture has benefitted me immensely in so many ways. The programme really allows growth in all possible aspects and that it what I admire and think what makes this opportunity so valuable and unique. The program gets you job ready in valuable skills and knowledge from workplace etiquette to know to be a professional, have great work ethic, how to be successfull, how to apply your knowledge and skills and understand how the workplace works and where you fit in and where you should have the confidence to stand out. Secondly the programme offers tech based skills that are so valuable as the world holds so much value to being tech savvy and knowledgeable. From things as simple as gmail, google suite to learning how to code. Ensuring you are instilled with valuable skills and knowledge that sets you apart to find employment and grow in those skills and let them shine. Thirdly the opportunities within the programme are absolutely endless and allows so much self growth and often to be out of your comfort zone but you soon realize the potential you hold and that uncomfortability becomes a springboard for unimaginable growth and you just take the opportunity with both hands. You begin to learn nothing is ever failure but rather just an area of improvement and the more you work on it the better you become. This program more than anything has taught me to be comfortable with uncomfortablility, to be bold and brave and take on all opportunities, to be confident in your work and confident in yourself. Your bravery impacts the next and your knowledge and skills can not only benefit the next person but also inspire them. I took on opportunities to help others learn new skills in the form of Saturday micro courses and have the confidence in my knowledge and guidance. This allowed me to see my impact and growth in real time as students did well and understood their tasks and excelled. It was so rewarding to see them enjoy the knowledge they were learning and applying it. Throughout the program I had fellow collegues ask me for help or guidance and it was so rewarding to be able to help and see them shine in something they previously struggled with. Team projects really allowed my leadership skills that we both aquired and I naturally had to come into play and allow team work and work ethic to flow and produce an excellent outcome whilst the team as a whole grew in skills and experience and produced a product and used skills they were previously unfamiliar with but successly overcame challenges and grew in their knowlege and skills. Every task and deliverable is designed for growth in all aspects and this is absolutely amazing as you gain skills and knowledge you don't even think of but are incredibly valuable.

What were some of your highlights?

To be honest this program as a whole has been a highlight for me because of the tremendous personal growth and knowledge and skills learnt are so incredibly valuable. Highlight moments for me lie in the fact that I can confidently have a well structured presentation and present my work with confidence. Being able to back my work and know I have done my absolute best and be proud and not compare to anyone else because each of us are so unique. Being able to impact students lives in teaching them new material and seeing them grow and evolve into critical thinkers and innovators throughout the micro courses led on a saturday. Even though I did not expect to coach both it was a daunting task at first but one I found myself comfortably leading which is all because I was handed the opportunity and took it with both hands. Yes I may have mistakes along the way but each was a lesson to do even better the next time. Being able to see not only personal growth but growth in my work and quality of work. The confidence to just design even if it may be a crazy idea and take the risk as it may be turn out to be the best reward having that risk be recognized and encourage others to get out of their comfort zones and try something different. There are no failures just ways to improve. Lowlights for me I truly have none because I firmly believe that any moments that were low are the perfect lessons to improve and where I can be better and do better. They may have felt like low moments but looking back I am still proud of pushing through and persevering. Everything in life either is there to build you or break you and I choose to allow all situations to be building blocks to a better me and success.

What would you tell unemployed youth about this opportunity?

My advice or message to unemployed youth would be to always remember to grab opportunities with both hands even if it means having to get out of your comfort zone to mould yourself to be the best you can be. Never let your past or circumstances be defining factors as we always moving towards the future to be better. Every opportunity no matter how small will make an immense impact and change and become a stepping stone to something even greater. Sometimes in life we need something to be revealed and taught to us to learn in order to be ready and prepared for the greatness that is to come. 3 seconds of insane courage and boldness can mean a lifetime of change for the better so why not take the risk?