Build Your Own Spotlight: How I Did It Before 18

I am an activist, and I genuinely believe that showcasing your strengths helps you stand out. This is my motto: stand out with your skills rather than blend in. As a student, extracurricular activities really matter, and I want to share tips for those who feel stuck but want to stand out.

There are two key ingredients: authenticity and uniqueness. It’s important to showcase our strengths because authenticity matters. When I followed this approach, here’s what I earned in return:

1. National and International recognition
2. Invites to international summits and launches of brands
3. Invites to come, assess and give feedback on national resources.
4. A 5+ page resume
5. Mentoring over 18-20+ student-led NGO's
6. Working on major national and international projects

Here is my story and a guideline on how you can do it too.

Image Credit: Ian Schneider on Unsplash

A. Sticking to just one motto

From an early age, I have been very religious and spiritual, and I believe that this has driven me to become an activist. In the Bhagavad Gita, it states that the greatest form of devotion to the Lord is through “Seva.” So, what does Seva mean? It means engaging in work to help or please the Lord, but it also involves serving our community to fulfill their needs.

Whenever I had the opportunity, I would go to the temple to perform Seva, as well as volunteer for various organizations. It was an inner drive that I simply could not overlook.

At the age of 11, I began working with organisations at my school. At 12, I started taking up leadership roles. By the time I was 14, I joined a prominent organisation, Heartfulness, which played a significant role in my growth.

I helped the organisation in Tanzania, where we began organising events and connecting with numerous other organisations. My skills and my work eventually started getting highlighted. The organisation grew, and people got to know me.

Image Credit: Photo by Júnior Ferreira on Unsplash

Eventually, I gained recognition as an activist within the Tanzanian community. At 15, I was invited by Odoo to the launch of their 17th software. At 16, I was invited to the pediatric cancer unit at a National Hospital by an organisation to meet children battling cancer. By 17, I received an invitation for an international collaboration on a project in India, followed by an invitation to a summit in Kuala Lumpur and New York. The list goes on, but one thing remains clear: I found my passion and committed to it.

By dedicating my thoughts, energy, and time to this pursuit, I was able to achieve these milestones. Focusing on a single goal and working diligently toward it guarantees progress because you invest the energy needed to grow.

Don’t invest too much energy in too many areas at once. Why take on unnecessary stress when you can excel in one field? Think of it this way: you may need to choose between biology and art.

If you choose art because of your passion and skills, you’re likely to achieve good grades and get into a reputable art school. The same concept applies here. Focus on what you truly care about to succeed.

Image Credit: Photo by Júnior Ferreira on Unsplash

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2. What they don't tell you

I primarily focus on children’s and women’s rights and welfare, and I am deeply committed to this cause. However, being an activist involves much more than just standing on a podium and discussing the need for change. There are logistics to manage, running the organisation, handling finances, collaborating with a team, networking, and much more. Maintaining relationships with other organisations is also crucial, and as an activist, there’s a certain image we must portray, which can be the toughest part.

We need to exhibit specific personality traits and characteristics. As a person, I am lighthearted and free-spirited, but as an activist, I take my role seriously. I focus on key issues and must conduct myself professionally because I deal with policies, laws, human rights cases, and other significant matters.

Staying updated on global news and historical events is essential, as I need to understand each country’s stance and how to address various issues. All of this requires a lot of self-polishing. Being in the spotlight means that if I make a mistake, it not only affects my reputation but also the reputation of everything associated with me, which is a situation we strive to avoid.

Image Credit: Stephen Tettey Atsu on Unsplash

Whatever you choose to do requires dedication. Honestly, managing all of this is extremely challenging and can be quite daunting. However, you must have the courage and dedication to push through.

It’s about resilience during the toughest moments, and you should be prepared to invest a lot of energy. You will encounter aspects of your work that you may have never faced before. So, brace yourself, as your passion requires substantial emotional, mental, and psychological investment.

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3. Making smart decisions

At 13, I created a LinkedIn account where I documented my entire journey. I built a following and made many valuable connections that eventually paid off. To gain more recognition, secure projects, and access a wealth of opportunities, this was essential.

Additionally, I created a resume, which proved very helpful; I could simply hand it in and obtain whatever was necessary from it. This visibility made my work known, and people recognised who I was and what I did. Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I have made so far.

Another decision I am very proud of is my commitment to attend every event I am invited to and to seek out other events for networking. This effort helped me make numerous connections that ultimately paid off.

It’s important to make decisions that will have a significant impact on your career. We should focus on quality, not quantity, as quality is not just a practice; it’s a habit.

Image Credit: Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

I realise that I have centred this article around my own experiences, but this is how I chose one passion and committed to it, resulting in substantial growth. Through this process, I have developed as an activist and provided you with genuine insight into what it takes to pursue something you are passionate about while considering the pros and cons.