My Two Pieces of Advice for Young Leaders
By Phul Maya Rasaily, Kids Ministry Manager, Ministry Apprentice
When I was young, deep in my heart I knew that I could be a leader. I was always doing something in one way or the other to lead. We had a small bible study group in my refugee camp, and occasionally I would lead the bible study. I always have enjoyed leading, but I would never have thought that today I would be able to lead in another country, and in a different language.
Phul Maya in 2018
When I joined the Mission Adelante staff in 2018, I was very nervous and excited to lead. I have been growing in my leadership role here at Mission Adelante, and this journey has been challenging and a blessing at the same time. In the beginning, I led the Arts Community and helped in the Refugee Youth club, and in those I was challenged and pushed to grow in my leadership skills. I enjoyed planning the programs, leading the volunteers. and getting to know the kids. I had learned so much from leading those two programs that I couldn’t say “no” when I was offered new leadership opportunities this month!
Phul Maya leading Refugee Kids Club
For this trimester, I will be leading the Arts Community, Refugee Kids Club, and co-leading Leaders In Training. I will also be supervising Ashley (our new apprentice) for this trimester. I know Ashley from 2019 when she was a Mission Adelante summer intern. We built an amazing friendship when she was an intern and now I am super excited to continue building our friendship and to be able to support her.
These new leadership challenges have me thinking about some leadership advice I would have passed down to my younger self.
My two pieces of advice to young leaders are these:
Lead in your way - Lead in the way you know and feel comfortable in. There is no one right way to lead. The most important thing is that people are following and getting your point. Have confidence and go for it! People can see your sincerity when you are okay with making a mistake and are okay with not knowing everything.
Don’t let the struggle stop you - It may look difficult to lead, it may look like something you can't do, it may look impossible, but once you get into the field and start doing it you will hear your inner-self saying "this is what I want to do." Even if you are not completely skilled in your field, the most important part is knowing that this is what I want to do. The struggle shouldn't be the factor that makes you stop. It is always challenging, but I always look back and realize it wasn't as difficult as I thought it was going to be.