Leading the Youth Symposium | Reflection from Thembi Mtimkhulu

When I first received the role of leading the Youth Symposium, I was just okay about it. I didn’t fully understand what it meant or what was in store for me. It only started to sink in after we began having meetings and I got a clearer understanding of the role I needed to play, that’s when reality truly kicked in. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a title anymore; it was a big responsibility, and I knew I had to rise to the occasion.

What did it feel like stepping into something this big for the first time?

It was my first time ever doing something like this, planning an entire event, coordinating so many details, and making sure everything came together beautifully. I remember feeling a wave of excitement mixed with fear. I was happy, nervous, and a little overwhelmed all at once. But deep down, I knew this was something I had to do, not just for myself, but for the youth who would show up, hoping to learn, connect, and be inspired.

What did you experience during the planning phase, and how did your team support you?

As the planning began, I quickly realized how much work went into it. There were late nights, moments of doubt, and times when things felt like they were moving too slowly. But in those moments, my amazing team carried me. They kept reminding me, “You’ve got this.” Their positivity lifted me on the days I felt unsure. Every time I saw their excitement and dedication, it pushed me to do even more, to give my best so that the event could be everything we dreamed of. I couldn’t have done it without them.

What surprised you most about yourself in this process?

What surprised me the most was how calm I was throughout the whole experience. Naturally, I’m not a calm person, I usually overthink and stress about every little detail. But there was something special about the Youth Symposium. I felt a deep sense of peace and purpose leading up to it. Instead of being nervous, I felt grounded. Maybe it was the energy of the youth, or maybe it was the belief that everything would come together as it should. Either way, I carried a calmness that I’ve never felt before.

What was your favorite experience on the day of the event?

When the day finally came, everything just flowed. Seeing the youth engage, share their thoughts, and light up during the sessions made every sleepless night worth it. Hearing their feedback afterwards, how inspired they felt, how they wished the symposium could last longer, and how much they enjoyed every session, filled my heart with so much pride.

What did you learn along the way about leadership and growth?

This experience taught me more about myself than I ever expected. I learned that I am capable of doing anything I put my heart into. I learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, learning as you go, and trusting the people around you. And most of all, I learned that sometimes, the things that scare us the most are the very things that help us grow the most.

What advice would you give to someone leading a similar event?

To anyone who might one day be given a similar role, here’s my advice from the heart: be willing to learn. Take advice when it’s offered, and never be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it shows strength and humility. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons the symposium was such a success. With a great team by your side and people rooting for you, you will never go wrong. And when setbacks come (because they always do), don’t see them as failures, see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and do better next time.

How do you feel now that it’s done, and what are you most proud of?

Now that the symposium is over, I feel so full, full of gratitude, pride, and peace. It still feels surreal that I did it, that we did it. I’m proud of the youth who showed up and participated with such passion, and I’m even prouder of my team who made this vision come to life. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself again.

The Youth Symposium reminded me that I’m stronger, braver, and more capable than I thought. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.