Before BYBS fellowship, I was surviving — not growing.

Before joing the BYBS fellowship, Life felt like a balancing ship with no certainty of reaching its designated habour. I was a recent University graduate carrying Career pressure personal responsibilities and financial uncertainty — all at once. I often felt like everything depended on me, yet I had no clear structure, no mentor, and no space to pose and reflect.

From the out, I was functioning, inwardly, I was overwhelmed.

The biggest challenge I faced was poor time management fueled by unclear direction. I worked hard, but not always wisely. I was busy but not always productive. This challenge quietly affected my Career growth, confidence, and sence of purpose.

The BYBS Fellowship emerged as a turning point — not because it rmoved my challenges but because it changed how I faced them.

The Challenge: Graduated, Qualified — Yet Uncertain.

One of the most hardest season of my life began after I had graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BsIT). Graduation was supposed to bring clarity and direction, but instead it left me facing an unexpected challenge: Not knowing exactly where I fit or which career path to commint to.

I had skills, knowledge and ambition, yet I felt stuck at cross-roads. Technology is a broad field, and with many possibe paths, from software engineering, networking, systems and artificial intelligence — choosing one felt overwhelming. I was afrid to make the wrong choice or wasting time on the wrong path.

The days were filled with uncertainty. I explored different opportunities, took responsibilities and stayed busy, but without clear focus. I often reacted to opportunities as they came instead of of intentionally planning my growth around a defined goal.

The real issue was no laziness or lack of ambition.

It was unclear direction, self-doubt and the absence of a stuctured plan.

I wanted to grow, lead,and become impactful in my field but lacked clarity, confidence and the tools needed ti make deliberate career decisions and move forward with purpose.

Entering BYBS: A Space for Growth, Not Perfection

Joining the BYBS Fellowship was different from anything I had experienced before. It was not just about learning — it was about becoming.

From the very beginning, the fellowship emphasized:

  • Self-awareness
  • Leadership from within
  • Accountability
  • Purpose-driven action

For the first time, I was encouraged to reflect deeply on my habits, fears, and patterns — not to judge myself, but to understand myself.

This alone was transformative.

The Tools That Changed Everything

Several practical elements of the BYBS Fellowship directly helped me confront my biggest challenge:

1. Structured Time Management & Goal Setting

Through sessions and assignments, I learned how to:

  • Break big goals into realistic steps
  • Plan my weeks intentionally
  • Align daily actions with long-term vision

I stopped trying to do everything and started focusing on what truly mattered.

2. Reflection and Accountability

BYBS taught me that growth requires honesty. Reflective writing, peer discussions, and feedback helped me:

  • Identify where I was wasting energy
  • Track progress instead of just effort
  • Take responsibility for my own development

I became more disciplined — not out of pressure, but out of clarity.

3. Confidence Through Expression

The fellowship created safe spaces to speak, share, and lead. Gradually, I became more confident expressing my ideas, sharing my story.

I realized that my experiences including my struggles were not weaknesses, but sources of strength.

The Transformation: From Overwhelmed to Intentional

Today, I am not the same person I was before BYBS.

I am more:

  • Intentional with my time
  • Confident in my abilities
  • Clear about my goals
  • Resilient in the face of pressure

I no longer see challenges as signs to quit. I see them as signals to adjust, learn, and grow.

Instead of carrying everything alone, I now:

  • Plan before acting
  • Reflect before reacting
  • Lead with purpose, not panic

What I'm Doing with This Transformation

The impact of BYBS does not stop with me.

I now apply these lessons in:

  • My career growth
  • My professional responsibilities as a teacher
  • My leadership and community engagements

I intentionally mentor others, manage my responsibilities with structure, and pursue growth opportunities with confidence. Most importantly, I now believe that personal transformation is possible even in difficult circumstances.

BYBS Didn't Change My Circumstances — It Changed Me

The BYBS Fellowship did not magically remove pressure from my life. Instead, it equipped me with the mindset, tools, and confidence to face pressure effectively.

My biggest challenge; poor time management and unclear direction became my greatest area of growth.

BYBS helped me move from survival mode to purpose-driven living.

And for that, this fellowship will always be a defining chapter in my journey.