They must have seen something in me during that camp because I was offered a scholarship to join the Warriors Gap Year program. This small-town girl from Limpopo had no idea what she was getting into, but I immediately said yes. It's been one of the greatest life lessons I've learnt, if an opportunity presents itself, take it on, you can figure out the rest later – and that's precisely what I did.
I embarked on my gap year experience in 2009 with a number of students from across the world as we navigated the challenges and adventures that came our way. The year was filled with travel, adventure activities, self-growth and development workshops and more. It was challenging. We were pushed beyond our comfort zones and came out on the other side stronger than ever. I always say that this was a defining year in my life as it shaped me into the person I am today and laid the foundation for my future.
After my gap year was done, I knew that my connection with the Warriors Academy wasn't over and I was right. The Warriors team invited me back to work with them as a full-time facilitator. This was a learning curve, to say the least, but what a rewarding experience. I got the gift of seeing fellow young students grow, develop and find their own greatness – it was priceless.
While working with the Warriors team, I knew I wanted to further my studies, and the team helped me do this by offering me a scholarship that would pay for my tuition fees. I'm always so grateful and proud to be the first recipient of one of the Warriors Foundations scholarships.
After four years of working at Warriors and completing my Bcom Marketing degree, it was time for me to move on. An opportunity had presented itself, once again, when one of the Warrior's parents offered me a position at her company. This was another unknown turn that would end up igniting my corporate career, and what a career it has been! Over the past few years, I have been privileged enough to work for some of the countries most renowned companies and have gone from strength to strength, climbing the corporate ladder.
I could not imagine my life without being a part of the Warriors Academy. It's been 12 years, and I still live by all the teachings and tools that I learnt while on my gap year. The opportunities I have received from the Warriors Foundation over the years has changed my life and its trajectory.
I hope that one day I will be able to do the same thing that the Warriors Foundation did for me and give a well-deserving student the opportunities that I had.
Thank you to the Warriors Foundation, here is to identifying and giving someone the gift of opportunity!