Starting off the new year with the Generation Change Fellows Program has truly been life-changing. As a peace builder, I already had a solid understanding of the concepts and theories, but going through the program has challenged me to be vulnerable and embrace the growth process every step of the way. Each challenge presented itself as a valuable learning opportunity, and I am grateful for the experience. Reflecting on my time in the program, five key takeaways have stood out to me so far.
- Taking time for self-reflection and awareness – The Generation Change Fellows Program has provided me with ample opportunities to reflect and listen to myself while also listening to others. The River of Life exercise was particularly impactful, as it allowed me to acknowledge my resilience and strength in the face of life’s challenges. I believe that nurturing our inner peace is a prerequisite for working towards outer peace. I’m grateful that the GCFP shares this value and encourages fellows to prioritize self-reflection and awareness.
- Learn to Unlearn. Unlearn to Learn. – I’ve been working for peace for the last 15 years and learned a lot along the way. But recently, I’ve realized that sometimes, I need to unlearn what I know to learn more. This mindset has helped me let go of my expectations and just go with the flow. I’m only sometimes a participant in activities; a lot of times, I organize them. But either way, it’s been a great experience for me. The modules were designed to help us reflect on our own biases and prejudices. Even though I thought I was already unbiased, I discovered I had biases toward others. I needed to unlearn those biases and ask myself “why” so that I could also answer the question of “how.” Through the activities, I became more mindful of how I am as a leader and of my own inner thoughts and feelings.
- Learning about the pyramid of hate is crucial to addressing our biases and prejudices. We can prevent things from escalating to violence and mass destruction by tackling the first level of the pyramid. I can relate to this, as my organization has been working towards planting seeds of peace in the hearts of children. Doing so can create a more accepting society of our differences and diversity. It’s important to remember that every step counts towards making a more harmonious world.
- Investing in my relationship with other people – Meeting young leaders from different communities has been an amazing experience. Through this fellowship, I have realized the power of collaboration towards a shared goal, even with diverse advocacies and focuses. Leveraging our strengths and resources, we can make a positive impact on our communities in various ways. This experience has not only strengthened my existing relationships but also fostered trust with new acquaintances. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have met such inspiring and remarkable individuals in this journey. Their presence has filled my heart with gratitude and motivation.
- The importance of my story, crafting my vision, and sharing it with others – I’ve discovered that understanding the “why” behind my actions is crucial, and the fellowship program has helped me reflect on my personal vision. When we started our organization, I did because I believed in the vision of our founder. But during the session, I realized that I also had my reasons. While it aligns with my organization’s primary vision, I now have my own reasons for doing what I do base on my experiences and strengths. Previously, I was hesitant to speak in public and share my story. I am too scared because people may invalidate my experience. But with the support of the Generation Change Fellows, I gained the courage and confidence to do so. It’s empowering to know that my story matters, too, and that I can positively impact my community.
The five-day program was truly a transformative experience for me. It was just the beginning of a lifelong journey and renewed commitment to building a culture of peace. I am so grateful to have been part of this family where I could be vulnerable and just be myself. To USIP, the creator of GCFP, and all the facilitators, I am forever grateful to each and every one of you for helping me become a better leader. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Thank you for everything!
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