Why This Matters

When people come together to spark change, something powerful happens. Voices grow louder. Stigmas shrink. Hope spreads. And that’s exactly what this movement is about — creating safe spaces where young people can find belonging, learn life-changing skills, and begin to flourish.

But the work of building resilient communities doesn’t stop with a first wave of projects. Change takes time. It takes persistence. And it takes people — like you — choosing to believe in what’s possible when we act together.

What Comes Next

Here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead:

• More Community: Expanding peer-led safe spaces so no one feels they have to walk alone.
• More Voices: Training youth leaders and advocates who can keep mental health at the center of campus and community conversations.
• More Impact: Projects and campaigns that don’t just raise awareness but inspire action and lasting systems of support.

We’ve laid the foundation. Now we build the future.

How You Can Be Part of It

Movements grow when people lean in. Here’s how you can walk with us into this next chapter:

1. Join the community — add your voice, your story, and your energy.
2. Share the journey with others — because hope multiplies when it’s spread.
3. Support the work in any way you can — your involvement keeps the momentum alive.

The Journey Ahead

This is only the beginning. The next chapter is waiting to be written, and it won’t be written by one person or one organization — it will be written by all of us.

So here’s the invitation: stand with us, walk with us, and let’s create a future where resilience, hope, and community are not exceptions but the norm.

We’re just getting started — and the best is yet to come.

Join us. Share the story. Be part of what comes next with the Finding Me Community.

There’s something about failure that can feel final. A job interview that didn’t go as planned. A friendship that faded. A project that collapsed after weeks of effort. In those moments, it’s easy to tell ourselves this is it — that maybe we’re not cut out for the dream we’ve been chasing.

But here’s the truth: maybe it didn’t work out this time, and maybe that hurts — but you still get to try again.

The Myth of One Chance

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to believe life only gives us one shot at success. That if we miss the opportunity, we’ve missed it forever. But in reality, resilience is built on the opposite truth: you always get another chance.

Every stumble is not the end of your story; it’s a sentence in a much bigger chapter. And that chapter? You’re still writing it.

Failure as a Teacher

Failure isn’t proof that you’re not enough — it’s feedback.

• That idea didn’t take off? Now you know what to refine.
• That relationship didn’t last? You’ve learned more about what you need.
• That event didn’t turn out as you hoped? You’ve got data to build on next time.

Each “didn’t work out” moment is a quiet mentor, showing you where to grow stronger.

Choosing Hope Again

Trying again requires courage. It means you’re willing to believe that tomorrow might turn out differently from yesterday. It means you refuse to let a setback define you more than your capacity to rise.

And resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about finding the strength to stand up one more time than you fall.

You Still Get Another Try

So if something in your life didn’t work out — if you’re sitting with disappointment, regret, or even shame — take a breath. Be gentle with yourself. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are still becoming.

The gift of being alive is that we get to start again. A fresh day. A new attempt. A different approach.

Maybe it didn’t work out — but you still get to try again. And this time? Who knows? Maybe this is the time it does.

If you’re looking for a community that believes in resilience, growth, and second chances, join us at Finding Me Community. Together, we’re learning how to fall, rise, and flourish.

Leadership is changing.
The old model — built on authority, fear, and hierarchy — is crumbling. In its place, a new kind of leadership is emerging: one that values empathy, collaboration, and the ability to truly see people.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to lead, but not the way I’ve always seen it done,” you’re not alone. Many young people today want to break free from outdated leadership styles and instead choose a path that builds trust, community, and growth.

So where do you begin?

1. Lead with Self-Awareness

You cannot lead others until you first learn to lead yourself. True leadership begins with asking the hard questions:

• What are my strengths?
• What are my blind spots?
• How do I respond under pressure?

When you cultivate self-awareness, you’re not just managing others — you’re managing you. And that steadiness gives people confidence in your leadership.

2. Practice Emotional Intelligence

Great leaders don’t just push tasks — they inspire people. And that requires emotional intelligence: the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to your own emotions and those of others.

This doesn’t mean being “soft.” It means being human. It’s what allows you to motivate people, resolve conflicts, and build teams that thrive.

3. Build Community, Not Followers

Old-school leadership was about commanding followers. New-school leadership is about creating communities where people feel seen and valued.

Think about it: people don’t want to be managed; they want to belong. When you create safe spaces for learning, growth, and collaboration, people naturally step into their best selves and that’s when real impact happens.

4. Lead with Resilience

Every leader will face setbacks. The question is: how do you bounce back? Resilience isn’t about never failing it’s about using challenges as stepping stones.

Leaders who endure aren’t those who never stumble; they’re the ones who learn, adapt, and rise again with clarity and courage.

5. Start Small, But Start Now

You don’t need a title to lead differently. Start where you are:

• Listen before you speak.
• Show empathy in conversations.
• Create safe spaces in your circles.
• Model resilience when things go wrong.

Leadership isn’t a future role you’ll “get into” — it’s a daily choice.

Ready to Lead Differently?

At Finding Me Community, we believe leadership should empower, not oppress. We create peer-led safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and practice the kind of leadership that the world desperately needs.

If you’re ready to explore what it means to lead differently with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, and community then this is your invitation.

👉 Join us at Finding Me. Let’s reimagine leadership, together.

My mental health journey has been anything but smooth. There have been ups, downs, and moments of uncertainty. And while I know the road ahead is still long, each step has taught me something important.

The biggest lesson? Prioritizing my mental health is not selfish. It is necessary. Along the way, I’ve discovered how caring for my own wellness strengthens both my personal life and my work. I’ve also learned to celebrate my wins — whether big or small — as part of my growth.

Becoming a Peer Counselor

One of the most impactful choices I’ve made was stepping into the role of a peer counselor.

Helping others reach a place where they feel safe, heard, and mentally aware has been deeply fulfilling. It has shown me just how powerful it is to walk with someone through their struggles. Too many people underestimate the importance of mental health, and being part of the change — raising awareness and creating safe spaces — has been both humbling and enlightening.

Finding My Community

My journey led me to the Finding Me Community, and it has been nothing short of transformative.

From the first day, I felt at home — surrounded by like-minded people who not only value mental well-being but live it out in meaningful ways. This community has been more than a network for me; it has been a source of encouragement and inspiration.

In every shared story, every safe circle, and every moment of reflection, I’ve found strength. The beauty of Finding Me is that it reminds us: none of us have to walk this road alone.

Why It Matters

For me, this journey isn’t just about healing; it’s about growth. It’s about learning to give myself the same care I give to others. It’s about embracing community as a space where we rise together.

I am grateful to the Finding Me Community for welcoming me, for creating a home where healing is collective, and for showing me that mental health advocacy is not just work — it’s a movement.

Final Reflection

I carry this hope with me: that we continue building spaces where wellness is normalized, where healing is celebrated, and where growth is embraced.

Because when we prioritize mental health, we don’t just change ourselves — we change the world around us.

For mental health.

When we think of mental health journeys, we often imagine a moment of crisis. For me, it began differently — quietly, in reflection.

As a youth and SRHR advocate, I had spent years creating safe spaces for others. I listened to their struggles, held their stories, and built communities where healing could take root. Yet, in all that service, I rarely paused to nurture my own wellness. Slowly, the emotional toll of leadership, trauma-responsive care, and constant giving began to surface. Beneath the resilience I showed to the world, there was a deep need for restoration.

Choosing to Pause

Joining the Finding Me Community Wellness Program was my turning point. It wasn’t about adding another skill to my professional portfolio — it was about returning to myself.

I entered the program with one goal: to reconnect with who I was beyond the titles and responsibilities. I wanted to give myself permission to be vulnerable, to sit with my emotions, and to understand wellness in a way that wasn’t tied to productivity.

Healing in Community

The power of the program lay in the circle of peers I found there. Together, we created a space where emotions were honored, stories were shared openly, and healing was seen as something collective rather than individual.

Through guided reflections, open conversations, and shared experiences, I slowly began to reclaim my emotional clarity. I learned to set boundaries without guilt. I embraced rest not as weakness but as a radical form of resistance.

A New Kind of Leadership

What I discovered inside myself began to flow outward. My leadership shifted. Team meetings became more empathetic. Youth mentorship became more emotionally attuned. Even my community outreach grew more holistic — grounded not just in advocacy, but in compassion.

The changes were subtle but profound. I was no longer leading from a place of exhaustion, but from a place of alignment and care.

Why It Matters

The program mattered to me because it reminded me of something I had forgotten: wellness is not optional — it is foundational to sustainable impact.

By finding myself, I found a renewed way to lead. A way rooted in compassion, authenticity, and community care. My healing did not stop with me — it became a ripple of hope for those I work with and the communities I serve.

Final Reflection

The Finding Me Community Wellness Program gave me more than tools; it gave me back my center. For anyone who has given so much of themselves that they forget their own needs, my journey is proof that pausing to heal is not selfish — it is necessary.

Because when we find ourselves, we lead differently. We love differently. And we create spaces where hope truly lives.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Wellness

Wellness goes beyond physical health. It is also about resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. Emotional intelligence provides the foundation for these skills:

• Self-awareness helps our community members identify their emotional triggers and strengths.
• Self-regulation gives them tools to manage stress and remain calm in challenging situations.
• Empathy allows them to support peers, making the community a safe and compassionate space.
• Social skills strengthen collaboration, trust, and leadership.

When emotional intelligence is nurtured, individuals not only care for themselves but also contribute positively to those around them.

How We Incorporate Emotional Intelligence into Our Wellness Program

In the Finding Me Community Wellness Program, EI is not taught as a standalone module; it is woven into everything we do. For example:

1. Training Sessions: In the self-awareness and resilience modules, participants practice reflective exercises and emotional check-ins that build their EI.
2. Peer-to-Peer Support: Through buddy systems and community circles, members practice empathy and active listening, learning to lead with compassion.
3. Project Work: During campus ambassador projects, students are encouraged to manage group dynamics and conflicts using EI-driven leadership.
4. Mentorship and Supervision: Supervisors model empathy-led feedback, showing how emotionally intelligent leadership inspires trust and growth.

Leading With Heart: Why Emotional Intelligence Wins

Our approach aligns with the principle of “Leading With Heart.” Emotional intelligence isn’t about being “soft”; it’s about being deeply effective. Leaders who build with empathy, listen actively, and regulate their emotions inspire stronger teams and healthier communities.

In our community, we have seen how leading with heart fosters resilience, advocacy, and trust. When students feel heard and understood, they are more likely to engage, to lead, and to carry the message of wellness into their wider circles.

The Bigger Picture

At Finding Me Community, we know that wellness is not complete without emotional intelligence. By helping young people develop EI, we are nurturing a generation of leaders who are both empathetic and resilient — leaders who will drive change not just with their skills, but with their hearts.

Mental health has always been more than just a cause for me, it’s a calling. Over the years, I’ve seen how stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to resources can silently affect young people, especially students. My mission has been to change that narrative by creating safe spaces where mental health can be openly discussed, and by equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to care for their mental and emotional well-being.

When I joined Finding Me Community as a Supervisor for Campus Ambassadors, I didn’t just step into a role, I stepped into an opportunity to multiply my impact. Finding Me Community gave me a team of passionate Campus Ambassadors to mentor and guide. These are young, committed leaders on different campuses, each with the potential to be a voice for mental health within their own circles.

Through training, regular check-ins, and joint campaigns, I’ve watched them grow not only in leadership skills but also in their ability to influence change. Together, we’ve shared mental health resources, and sparked meaningful conversations on campuses where silence used to dominate.

This experience has reminded me that advocacy is not a solo journey. Finding Me Community has provided me with a platform, a network, and the tools to amplify my mission. It’s not just about what I do as an individual, but about the ripple effect created when young leaders are empowered to champion mental health in their own spaces.

It’s the age where society calls you an adult, but inside, you might still feel like you’re figuring out who you even are. In between expectations, deadlines, and pressure to “be something,” there’s a question you might forget to ask yourself:

What do you want?

Choosing yourself at 18 isn’t about being selfish. It’s about building the foundation for a life where you’re the main character — not just an extra in someone else’s story. Here’s your mini mental health guide to doing just that.

1. Listen to Your Inner Voice — Even When It’s Quiet

The loudest voices will often be from outside: parents, teachers, friends, social media. But there’s also a quieter voice inside you — your own values, dreams, and boundaries.

At 18, your job isn’t to have everything figured out. Your job is to start listening to that voice and giving it a chance to grow. That might mean journaling, taking walks alone, or saying no to something that feels wrong, even if it’s unpopular.

Mental health tip: Treat your inner voice like a plant — water it regularly with moments of quiet reflection.

2. Define Success for Yourself

Society has a one-size-fits-all picture of success: a degree, a high-paying job, a car, a house. But maybe your version includes traveling, creating art, or building a small business.

Choosing yourself means deciding what you’re working toward — and letting go of the guilt when your vision doesn’t match someone else’s.

Mental health tip: Write down *your* definition of success. Keep it somewhere you can see when you start doubting yourself.

3. Guard Your Energy Like It’s Precious (Because It Is)

At 18, you might feel like you have endless energy for friends, work, classes, and social media. But burnout is real, and mental health thrives when you know when to rest.

Say yes to people and projects that inspire you. Say no — without over-explaining — to things that drain you.

Mental health tip: Before saying yes to something, ask yourself: “Will this make me feel proud or exhausted in two weeks?”

4. Surround Yourself With People Who See You — Not Just Use You

Your circle shapes your self-esteem. If you’re always around people who make you feel small, “choosing yourself” starts by choosing a different circle.

Look for friends, mentors, or communities where you’re valued for your ideas and kindness, not just your usefulness.

Mental health tip: A good friend will celebrate your boundaries, not test them.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Start Over (As Many Times As You Need)

You might pick the wrong course, move to the wrong city, or start a job you hate. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’ve learned.

At 18, nothing is set in stone. Choosing yourself means allowing reinvention without shame.

Mental health tip: Instead of saying “I wasted time,” try “I invested in learning what doesn’t work for me.”

Final Thought

Choosing yourself at 18 isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a daily practice. Some days it’s bold, like leaving a toxic friendship. Other days, it’s quiet, like taking a deep breath before answering a question you don’t want to rush.

Your life is your longest project. And the best thing you can do for your mental health is to make sure you’re the one holding the pen.

At Finding Me Community, a youth-led mental health organization, we believe that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow — they’re the changemakers of today. Our work focuses on creating peer-led safe spaces where youth can connect, learn, and develop skills to not just survive, but truly flourish.

This year’s United Nations theme, “Local Youth Actions for SDG and Beyond,” is a powerful reminder that change often begins right where we are. Around the world, young people are driving solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time — mental health, climate change, inequality — often starting with small, meaningful actions in their own communities.

And that’s where the magic happens.

Every dialogue started, every safe space created, and every act of empathy shared contributes to a ripple effect of healing and empowerment. These grassroots efforts are not just changing lives — they are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Here’s to the youth who lead with heart, heal with intention, and build with purpose.
Your courage is the blueprint for a better tomorrow, and we are proud to stand beside you as you transform challenges into opportunities for hope.

Happy International Youth Day.
The future is not just ahead — it’s already here, and it looks like you.

Campus ambassador , finding me community — Kenyatta University

Terry is a passionate mental health advocate and creative communicator who believes that self-awareness and connection are the cornerstones of healing. Through her work in storytelling and community conversations, she aims to break the stigma around mental health and inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.

How Finding Me Community supports her mission:
For me, the Finding Me Community feels like a safe harbor a place where vulnerability is met with understanding and where stories can be shared without fear. The community amplifies her voice, provides a supportive network of like-minded advocates, and gives her the tools and encouragement to continue creating safe spaces for honest conversations.

Fun facts about Terry:
Can turn any random moment into a TikTok-worthy idea

Thinks a good playlist is the cure for almost anything

Has a soft spot for sunsets and handwritten notes

Her mantra? “Leave people better than you found them with kindness, laughter, or a spark of hope.”