There are moments in life that seem ordinary when they
happen, but later you realise they have quietly changed the way you see the
world. For me, one of those moments came on 26th May during a career
talk at Kenswed Secondary School.
As an AI and Cloud Technology student, I had been invited to
speak to Grade 10 students about my journey in technology. My goal was simple, to
introduce them to the opportunities available in the tech industry, share what
I have learnt so far, and hopefully inspire a few young minds to consider
careers in technology.
Like any other talk, I prepared myself, stood before the
students, and spoke about Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and the
many career paths available in today's digital world. The students were
attentive, asked thoughtful questions, and the session flowed better than I had
expected.
Towards the end of the session, I decided to ask a few
students about their dreams.
"What would you like to become when you grow up?"
I asked one of them.
Without hesitation, he looked at me and replied,
"I would like to be you."
For a moment, I didn't know how to respond.
Out of all the careers, professions, and people he could
have mentioned, he chose me.
That answer stayed with me long after I had left the school.
To be honest, I have always considered myself to be someone
who is still figuring life out. I am still a student, still learning, still
making mistakes, and still chasing my own dreams. I had never imagined that
someone could look at me and see a role model.
Growing up, I always believed that people looked up to
successful business leaders, experienced professionals, politicians, or elderly
people who had already "made it" in life. I never thought that
someone my age could inspire another person simply by pursuing what they love.
That single response completely changed my perspective.
It made me realise that influence doesn't begin when you
become rich or famous. It begins the moment someone starts paying attention to
how you live your life.
Whether we know it or not, people are always watching us.
Younger siblings watch us. Students watch us. Friends watch us. Even strangers
can be inspired by our actions without us ever knowing.
Since that day, I have felt a greater sense of
responsibility.
Not because I suddenly became perfect, but because I now
understand that the choices I make can encourage or discourage someone else.
The effort I put into my studies, the way I carry myself, and how I treat
people may silently shape someone else's ambitions.
That realisation has motivated me to work even harder.
Not out of pressure, but out of purpose.
I want to become better, not only for myself but also for
those who believe in me. I may not always have the right answers, and I will
certainly make mistakes along the way, but I want my journey to show others
that consistency, curiosity, and hard work can take you places.
Looking back, I thought I was the one going to inspire
students that day.
Ironically, one student ended up inspiring me instead.
His simple answer reminded me that leadership is not about
age. It is not about titles or achievements. Sometimes, leadership is simply
about showing up, doing your best, and giving someone else the courage to
believe that they can do it too.
The talk at Kenswed Secondary School was meant to be a
lesson about careers in technology.
Instead, it became one of the biggest life lessons I have
received.
And for that, I will always be grateful.