Curiosity and courage lead to great things

 

I am Mihlali Tomsana. Growing up, I was always the curious kid – the one who couldn’t resist taking apart every new toy just to see how it worked. My parents often joked that I was the reason we never had many toys around the house – they’d barely survive a day in my hands before I’d dismantle them in my quest for understanding.

 

This insatiable curiosity about the inner workings of things led me naturally towards the field of electronics. I saw the impact of electricity – and often its absence – on my community, and I yearned to make a difference. I wanted to understand load-shedding – to figure out how to stop it and to unravel the mysteries of electricity that affected our daily lives.

 

My educational journey took me through Cape Academy, in Constantia, for high school, followed by False Bay TVET College in Westlake. I was driven, determined, always running forward, but I didn’t yet know where my path would lead me.

 

Then, almost by chance, I stumbled upon Life Choices. It was like finding a hidden door that opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Before Life Choices, I had no idea what those blue things on people’s roofs were – solar panels were a complete mystery to me. But Life Choices introduced me to the world of solar energy, and suddenly, everything clicked into place.

 

They introduced me to a field that not only fed my curiosity about how things worked, but also offered a way to benefit not just my community, but the entire world. It was a perfect blend of my passion for understanding technology and my desire to make a positive impact, ‘killing two birds with one stone’. The realisation hit me hard – this was my calling.

 

Life Choices offered more than just technical knowledge. They understood that sometimes, an opportunity can present itself, but if your mindset isn’t ready, you might miss it entirely. That’s where the incredible support system at Life Choices came in.

 

Sessions with Marlene, Sis Queen, and Coach Matika, and others didn’t just equip me with skills and resources – they helped me develop the mindset to truly thrive. They taught me how to work effectively in a team, spreading out my resources and energy so I could run far, not just fast. They helped me learn to trust in myself, to silence the doubt that can sometimes hold us back.

 

The programme at Life Choices was comprehensive, covering everything from design and planning to procurement, installation, client relations, and contract management. It gave me a holistic understanding of the solar industry that proved invaluable when I entered the field.

 

What truly set the experience apart, though, was the quality of the lecturers. Life Choices had clearly put tremendous thought into selecting the right people to guide us. They brought in youthful, passionate experts who could break down the complexities of this fast-growing field in ways we could easily digest and apply. Their enthusiasm was contagious, making every class an engaging experience. For the first time in my life, I found myself looking forward to classes, even dreading Fridays because it meant two days without seeing our inspiring lecturers. Their ability to make learning both informative and enjoyable was a game-changer for me.

 

Now, I find myself working as a construction manager at Solar Electricity. It’s a role that challenges me every day, but thanks to the foundation laid by Life Choices, I feel equipped and confident. I’m not just applying technical skills – I’m using the soft skills they emphasized so strongly, building teams, communicating effectively, and setting out visions.

 

Looking to the future, I dream of the impact I can make in the field of sustainable energy. It might sound simple, but I want to help solve the energy problems facing our communities. I’ve seen firsthand how unreliable electricity affects people’s lives – my family, my neighbours, my peers. I want to be part of strengthening our power grid, ensuring that future generations won’t have to face the challenges we’ve endured.

 

My journey is far from over. I will still visit Life Choices when I can, seeking advice, sharing experiences, and continuously working to improve myself. They’ve shown me that learning is a lifelong process, and I’m excited to see where this path will lead me next.

 

As I reflect on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude – for the curiosity that has driven me, for the opportunities I’ve been given, and for the people at Life Choices who helped shape me into who I am today. They didn’t just teach me about solar panels; they taught me how to be a better version of myself in and outside of work. Life Choices truly lived up to its name, offering me choices that have changed my life for the better.

“I am my own hero!”

 

My name is Bahijah Abrahams, and I am 19 years old. At just four days old, I entered foster care, leaving behind a biological family mired in chaos, their lives overshadowed by the harsh realities of drugs and violence. My mother, entrenched in a life of crime, even contemplated selling me. Yet, against all odds, I was spared that fate and welcomed into a loving foster family that cared for me deeply.

 

As I grew, I faced horrors no child should endure. From ages eight to sixteen, I suffered abuse at the hands of a cousin. Those memories felt like buried secrets – locked away yet echoing within me. I often reflect on what Marlene, my counsellor at Life Choices, says: “You may not remember what happened to you, but your cells do.” And it’s true. Despite the love from my foster family, the scars from my past were constant reminders of where I came from.

 

My teenage years were marked by turmoil, filled with extreme emotional highs and lows. I battled self-destructive thoughts and reached a breaking point that led to hospitalisation, leaving me shaken. In the psychiatric ward, I witnessed the heartbreaking realities of mental health care – other kids stripped of their dignity, chained to beds, their cries reverberating in sterile halls. It was terrifying, but it ignited a fierce determination within me. I vowed to never return to that dark place – I was going to take control of my life.

 

“I’m my own hero,” I declared one day, and I meant it. I channelled my pain into purpose. By grade nine, though still a child, I began to grasp the power of resilience. I focus on my younger siblings, especially my 17-year-old sister. I refuse to let her fall into the same cycle of dysfunction that entangled our family. “You have so much potential,” I tell her. “You can break free from this!”

 

In my final year of high school, I discovered Life Choices. Initially, I thought it was just a place for pads and supplies, but I soon realised it was a community dedicated to helping people. That’s where I learned about Salesforce, and my world expanded. “I thought it was just call centre vibes,” I joked with friends, but I quickly became captivated by the world of business and data handling.

 

As I immersed myself in the Salesforce program, I began to flourish. The atmosphere buzzed with diverse personalities and ambitions, and for the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. “I love being myself here,” I told my new friends, and it was true. This space encourages me to express my authentic self, free from judgement. The business lessons I learned and the data handling skills I am learning are invaluable tools that I did not know would help turn my dreams into reality.

 

Determined to gain financial independence, I took on the challenge of working as a barista while studying. “Why wouldn’t I want to succeed?” I would laugh when explaining it to my mother. Each hour I worked brought me one step closer to a brighter future, proving that I could balance work and learning, and that my past doesn’t define my potential.

 

Through every challenge, I’ve grown stronger. My journey isn’t just about overcoming personal demons; it’s about breaking the cycle for my family. With every laugh I share and every word of encouragement I offer, I plant seeds of hope, nurturing those around me with my unwavering spirit.

 

Looking ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for where I am. I dream of opening my own café one day – a warm, welcoming space for people to gather and feel at home. The business acumen and data skills I’ve gained from Salesforce will be crucial in making that dream a reality. I’m manifesting my goals step by step, fueled by the belief that anything is possible.

 

My story is a testament to resilience and the power of hope. I refuse to be defined by my past. I stand tall and ready to embrace whatever comes next, fully aware that I am the architect of my own destiny. If I can rise above, so can you. Your story isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Hold on to your dreams and never stop believing in yourself. You have the strength to overcome anything.