Module 6: Overcoming Uncertainties and Triumph: My Change Maker Lab Journey.

When I joined World Pulse through The Voices of The Future Program in 2016, I didn't know how life changing that program was going to be. It has been a beautiful journey of learning and being given the most valuable tools in a carefully, wrapped basket of love. These tools full of knowledge, have been impactful in shaping and driving my Change Maker journey.

There is always a certain eager excitement and anticipation for each new training opportunity lovingly developed for our personal growth by the indefatigable World Pulse Team. This was no different with the Change Maker Lab. When I received the call to be a part of this program, I was super excited. In my excitement, there was also a little weariness. It is  both an honour and a responsibility, to be included as a pioneer batch of a pilot project. You know you are not only learning, but also bringing in solid building blocks to hold the foundation of such a program for the next cohort. There is no pass experience to tap from. You are the experience both for you and for those coming after you and thus, the excitement and the weariness.

But still, I (We) trudged on. Personally, in as much as I was excited in this new voyage of learning, I reached a point of many uncertainties. Dealing with the loss of my uncle and the challenges of my personal health which seemed determined to be my steady companion through the Change Maker Lab journey was overwhelming and I felt I couldn't continue especially as I had a really difficult time catching up with the modules. I was overwhelmed with the volume of what I had to read/watch and that was really tough for someone who reading is one of many favourite pass times.  I thought this is beautiful but the information overload is overwhelming I will not be able to do it.

I expressed my concerns to Ana and Regina who became my buddy for the CML and they both encouraged me so lovingly not to give up but to keep going. These encouragements were the push I needed. I was still overwhelmed, but I kept going and I am glad I did. Granted, I cannot say I really got the fulness of the program in that moment but I am glad of the fact that we still have access to the various modules to always go back to read/watch at leisure and I plan on doing so.

Uncertainties notwithstanding, keeping the course has been a moment of triumph. I have been amazed and inspired by the many stories and initiatives I read through this period from my fellow ChangeMaker Lab Sistars. The power and resilience in the face of so many personal challenges each and every change maker had to share is a testament to how resilient and beautiful the human mind and heart can be and it was an honour sharing this space of love and learning with everyone.

The various modules gave us moments to learn, unlearn and relearn valuable lessons to propel us forward. From setting SMART goals, visioning, to discovering your powers, to making that beautiful and captivating elevator pitch; finding strength in failure rather than being shamed by it, to learning about using the various forms of media, grant writing, fund raising and bootstrapping. The dynamics to writing a beautiful story.  The Live Training Tuesdays  like those from GoFundMe, and ending it all with this beautiful reminder from Aparna to value Self Care - a crucial but often neglected tool for change makers.  These are invaluable lessons that will stay with us for a long time to come.

I gained so much. I got to partner with many World Pulse sisters like Mama Tam, Regina and on a personal level, I felt the love and value that has always been there for me by making sure that  every live session had a sign language interpreter present, someone always ready to be captioner.  Yes, it was a little tricky, trying to focus on the interpreters and the ever busy chat box but that love and consideration of always going the extra mile touched me in so many ways. It is a testament to the fact that we are more than just abstract numbers building a community.  We are valuable, cherished members whose voices get heard and listened to and acted upon. It is a sure proof that when it comes to inclusion, World Pulse doesn't only talk the talk but walks it too and I dare say, each Change maker will pause to think about this simple but powerful lesson in inclusion when we plan programs in future.

I am glad I stayed through. It has been a beautiful learning moment of love, partnership, building and solidifying relationships. Of thinking possibilities of TEDx Talking. Grateful to everyone who made this journey beautiful and the readiness of the various CML facilitators to share valuable lessons for us all.  Thank you, Ana, Dawn, Kirthi, for your love that is ever so visible for me and the rest of the WP family and thank you to the rest of the Change Makers Lab Team and to World Pulse to provide us with such beautiful tools and skills as we forge on. As worthy Ambassadors, I can confidently say that each training on World Pulse is like giving us the tools to reveal the beautiful layers of potential we all carry within and with each, we marvel at what we have as we confidently step forward as Change Makers to keep the tempo of change making pulsing ever so strongly!