BY J.M. LEE
Sahil Singh is proud he was born in Canada to immigrant parents. His parents’ journey and the values they instilled in him shaped Sahil’s perspective and appreciation for this country. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he learned the importance of diversity and inclusivity. The most important lessons he would like to share are listening and patience. “Many people want to reach the top, but exerting no effort and time,” Sahil said. “Listening to other people’s perspectives makes one understand what the discussion is all about. The presence of a mentor, no matter how small their impact may seem, provides invaluable guidance on one’s journey in life. A mindset that emphasizes growth helps children to be creative, and evaluating your work in a supportive manner by asking yourself if this is the best you can do or what you can do to get better. Similarly, finding different ways to approach a problem guides youth to implement new strategies.” Regarding hobbies, Sahil always desires to explore extra activities, even if he could be more skilled at them.
“Among my favorites are camping and hiking in remote areas. There’s something truly awe-inspiring about immersing myself in nature, experiencing its beauty up close, and profoundly connecting with the wilderness. Building on my enjoyment of hiking and camping, another hobby that naturally follows is photography. The creative process of capturing an image carries a profound depth and a captivating story. Most people I’ve interacted with understand that failure is necessary for success. Experiencing setbacks and unexpected outcomes are undoubtedly disheartening.”
Nobody desires to be associated with failure, Sahil agreed. “However, we cultivate a resilient mindset through these moments of loss, fostering the foundation for success. One of the most significant risks I’ve ever taken was turning down one opportunity and going all-in on another, despite the absence of any certainty of success. Right from the start, I struggled with extreme shyness, finding it difficult to make eye contact with new people I encountered.”
Sahil made progress in no time. When he began university, the key to building his confidence was placing himself in situations that often make him feel uncomfortable, anxious, and awkward. “Doing this made me comfortable in these new environments and taught me that all those fears and thoughts have little significance in the whole scenario,” he realized.
In committing to a mentoring relationship, a few essential things he considers outright. First, he seeks a mentee who is enthusiastic about learning and aspiring to grow. Finding someone who is open-minded, receptive to guidance, and eager to explore new perspectives is crucial. He pays attention to their dedication and commitment to the mentoring process.
A mentee who takes foreseeing steps stays engaged and puts in the effort benefits the most from the mentorship. Finding his leadership confidence and discovering his voice has been an exciting transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It all began with a simple yet powerful decision to step out of his comfort zone and embrace head-on new challenges. “By pushing myself beyond what felt familiar and safe, I embarked on one of the most significant risks I’ve ever taken,” he realized. “I have yet to overcome these challenges; I am still actively trying to improve and feel the pressures when put into a leadership position. Some strategies to help youth achieve a more prominent role are setting a logical goal and knowing their self-worth.” Sahil recommends accepting every experience that comes his way by saying yes. He believes that doing so will open many opportunities for growth and exploration. “As you progress, you gradually better understand how to distinguish which projects are genuinely worth your time and effort,” he said without flinching. “This strengthening understanding allows you to make more informed decisions and prioritize those endeavors that align with your goals and values. Social networking can be a powerful tool; these platforms have allowed people to connect with other like-minded people with greater reach. They offer a powerful tool for expanding our network and finding people who share our interests and passions. But it is paramount to realize that social networking can sometimes become a competitive game, like social media. As you navigate these platforms, you may doubt your abilities and feel the pressure of other applicants searching for similar opportunities. Remember that everyone has their unique journey and strengths to bring to the table. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the competition, focus on showcasing your talents and building genuine connections that align with your goal.”
