Coming Full Circle: From Student to Facilitator | Kabi Faith-Noel

Six years ago, I attended the Open Dreams Summer Academy as a Lower Sixth student.

At the time, I had no idea that it would become one of the places that shaped my journey in leadership and personal development.

This week, I walked back into this year's Open Dreams Summer Academy as a Program Facilitator. As I looked around the room, I saw so much of myself in those students. Curious, eager to learn, and full of potential.

We spent the session talking about time management, but our conversation went beyond planners and schedules. We reflected on the habits that quietly steal our time, why so many of us struggle to manage it well, and practical ways to pursue excellence without burning ourselves out.

One of the ideas I emphasized was the importance of alignment. Being at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, doing the right things.

Looking back, I realized that this has been one of the greatest gifts in my own journey. It has helped me excel academically, build a nonprofit organization, remain rooted in my faith, build meaningful relationships, and pursue different opportunities with intention.

More than anything, it felt like a conversation with younger siblings.

There is something deeply fulfilling about returning to a place that once invested in you and realizing that you now have the opportunity to invest in someone else.

Thank you, Open Dreams, for the opportunity. I'm looking forward to returning on Friday for another session, this time on personal branding.

• Kabi Faith-Noel | Open Dreams