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Letter to your 18 year old self

Dear Sandra

You are a beautiful human being inside and out. You should always love who you are wholeheartedly and to never forget your self-worth because God made you in His image with His love.

You must believe more in your big dreams and passion. So, start working hard now on making them into a reality, no matter how bad the circumstances may seem at the time. You must always take the time to eliminate any negative source or person in your personal life that may hinder your personal growth into adulthood.

Please read more books about your chosen career path, success, business, wealth creation and The Bible as opposed to watching TV shows most of the time! Finally, no matter how much of a failure you may feel right now or how difficult life may seem, always remember that you have the power to change your current situation for the better. You should not be afraid of failure and rejection. You must learn to be courageous so that you can become a fearless woman. Always remain humble at all times. Therefore, get up, take charge of your life and become that great person that you are destined to be.’

Yours sincerely,

Sandra

Sandra Mwiihangele: Founder of Kiyomisandz Beauty Products and amongst Forbes Africa's 30 under 30



Dear aspiring wanna be artist

If like me at 18 years old, you know with all your heart you want to be in the arts, but just know that it is a profession that A) does not pay a livable wage & B) your family will laugh at you for having such foolish dreams. The most encouraging bit of advice you will be is to get a degree and diploma and make you art a hobby!

This idea is complete rubbish if you are a young inspired artist you have to follow you dream. You know you want to be a painter, singer, actor, and writer so you should know you want to create something from nothing which is the definition of an artist. I am afraid you cannot ignore your heart and the very deep feeling you get when you think about being an artist.

I knew from the time I was 4 years old and went to my first theatre show I wanted to be part of the theatre. I dabbled and played as an amateur actor and director. I was a teacher, nurse, barmaid, ship- piping clerk, sales representative and many other things before I took the courage to say I do not want to be any of those things. I actually was fired from nearly all the jobs I tried. I was a dreamer and not committed to the job on hand. At 37 years old, I went to Unam go a degree in performing arts and I have never looked back. I have had a fabulous career in the arts.

I am happy I go to bed with peace in my heart. I was put on this earth to be a director of plays. All sorts of plays little ones to huge ones. I can do whatever I want because I know I can. I say it loud and I am an artist.

You too can be an artist. Be brave, follow your heart and it is what you are dreaming of and feeling powerfully in you being. Don’t wait until you are nearly 40 to follow your dream. Not like me; I only started at 40 years. Imagine my career if I had more courage of my conviction if I had started at 18.

Good luck my dear there are many artist who will be happy to be part of your journey, find them and be fabulous

Love to you

Sandy

Sandy Rudd: Director, producer and playwright

Dear KP

Do not be scared to let go of people when it comes to your relationships. Certain people need to be cut off and certain bad fruits need to cut from your tree of life. You should never be afraid of opening yourself up to new relationships. Life is a journey and the only constant is change. Invest your finance in your craft and what you believe in and it will come back tenfold. As you grow older, don’t burn bridges with people around you and always respect the ladies. Don’t mess with girls' hearts! You should not deceive a girl if you do not love you as much as she does you. When it comes to your music, listen to the people and don’t focus too much on the radio stations and do not watch too many music videos. Speak to the people and make music for the people.

Kamaaizemi 'KP Illest' Hoveka



KP Illest: Namibian Annual Music Award Winner, Producer, Rapper and Lyricist.



Dear Paul

You are setting out on a journey for your own and you should look for a job and something that can keep you going. Learn a new skill as early as possible because it will help you one day when you grow up. Learn from professionals and look for mentors in a particular industry you want to venture into. Save money for difficult times. It does not have to be a lot of money but save some of your money always. Don’t be afraid to fail in relationships but you should also not over commit. If you are going to get into relationships with anyone, make sure you are compatible and that you are friends or that you get along with whoever you want to go into a relationship with. Do not abuse alcohol or drugs because those are some of the most dangerous and difficult things to get out of.



Paul Munanjala

Paul Da Prince:Television personality, Radio personality, Singer, Song Writer and Disc Jockey (DJ).

Dear 18 year old Daisry

Congratulations. Your efforts throughout high school have produced these matric results. This end marks the beginning of a different and exciting stage of your life.

Before leaving home for studies, visualize the life you desire after completing your studies and set clear goals to work towards. Do not limit yourself in this process because truly, everything is possible!

Your vision will direct your daily plans; it will ignite your passion and ambition; it will even select your company and daily renew your hope. Hope inspires hard work.

I have learnt many lessons over time, but I think the following are most important to guide you along the odyssey of destiny:

1. Never forget you are endowed with irrevocable gifts and talents, purposed to make a unique contribution to your family, community, nation and humanity at large. Continue in all diligence to apply yourself fully, seizing every opportunity to nurture and actualize potential. Read more widely to broaden knowledge and deepen understanding. There are destinies attached to yours!

2. Success is intentional. Your vision, passion, focus, work ethic, competencies, discipline, self-leadership and personal sacrifice are all essential ingredients. Things will not always be easy, but endure. The pressure is necessary in your preparation. Endurance develops strength of character. Good character will one day speak for you, when you are not in the room.

3. It is possible to succeed professionally on competence and merit. Select a course of study aligned to the national development priority. Acquire the unique skill combination that will distinguish you. You do not have to stop after your first degree. Pursue multiple qualifications by all means.

4. Delay engaging in premature sexual activity. Your virginity is valuable, while abstaining protects you from unnecessary heartache and distraction, unplanned pregnancy and disease. Remain focused by keeping sight of the end in mind.

5. Be consistent in faith and abide by principles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.

6. Network to identify and foster relationship with role models. Sow the seed of opportunity with them, by sharing your vision, in confidence.

PS: Happy ‘Adulting’! Have fun and create many memories during this time.

31 year old Daisry

Daisry Mathias: President’s advisor on youth matters

Dear Steven

Walking through those corridors of life currently seems like a vast universe of possibilities and that you are but an insignificant figure. I know choosing a career can be daunting considering all the things that you want to do. However I want you to know that things will work out. Your biggest challenge has been to be true to yourself, own your voice and experiences because they make you uniquely you.

Make sure to enjoy your time on campus, study hard, play hard and build a wide network. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You come in as a blank canvas, paint and colour it with a wide variety. The four years on campus are going to fly so quickly though it feels like it will never end. You are going to miss your friends as each of you pursue different paths but remember that those relationships are deep enough that time and space will only strengthen them. You are rich with authentic and deep relationships.

Your life is going to be unconventional. Do not prepare for mediocrity or the easy; choose the seemingly difficult path, that is where you will grow. You will lead young people; you will lead peers and even those much older than you. Though you may feel like an imposter, thinking you do not deserve to be in these spaces, do it afraid. Many opportunities will open up that are beyond your scope, study and diversify your skill. Realize though that life is a winding road, though it feels like you have it figured out prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Though your degree was only in Social Work you are doing advocacy and policy development work in youth development, gender based violence, sexual reproductive health rights, transitional justice, education access, communications, human rights, civic engagements, elections and governance to name a few.

As you read this letter give yourself a hug. Slow down and take stock. Do not let anyone own you but, craft your own space. Love people generously. Continue to listen to that voice within telling you to be your truest fullest and most authentic self. Be daring dude do not play small nor apologize for the amazement that is YOU. Embrace the uncertainty, keep your optimism for it shall reward you, and laugh abundantly for that is where healing lies and baffling contentment.

Love Steven

Steven Bernadus Harageib: Strategic Partnerships Officer of the Namibian Youth Coalition on Climate Change