August: Naideen Hugo (12 ALPHA)

“Chrysalis gave me hope, a better perspective on life and taught me to be more disciplined. Once you are disciplined you can make wiser decisions, be more logical and analyse situations in a positive manner”

It was exactly 8 years ago, in 2012 when I joined Chrysalis Academy. At that time, I was a 21-year-old young woman. I was carefree, not responsible and making some poor decisions. Looking at where I am right now, and the contribution the academy has made in transforming my life, I am eternally grateful. The seeds of positivity that were planted 8 years ago, are evident and shows in how I deal with life’s challenges and the choices and decisions I now make.

The program was not easy, but it was worth it.  I learnt values, discipline, order and routine. It was hard at first, but with the support from the instructors and drawing strength from others in the program, I was motivated not to give up, but to strive towards a goal that would bring forth good fruits.  The outdoor phase taught me to be tough and conquer obstacles that seem to be impossible. The mountains and trails were not always the happiest moments during the course, as our minds and bodies gave up when overwhelmed by fear. I cried and got sick wanting to give up, but the instructors kept us going, reminding us of the goal ahead which kept me driven to face and take on every challenge crossing our path. I was so motivated and optimistic about life as a Chrysalis Academy student. As such, shortly after graduating on 28 July 2012, I started a boot camp in Atlantis to help the youth in my community. However, due to lack of support, the boot camp did not do well, but that did not deter me. I was always making time to encourage the youth to join Chrysalis Academy as I viewed it as a steppingstone to a “Better You”.

I applied for a learnership at Pathcare Laboratories and was accepted. I did a 2-year course and upon completion, I graduated as a Registered Medical Lab Assistant. I was in practice for a total of 4 years, but realized that I had the potential to be more than a Lab Assistant. I decided to enroll and study Public Relations full-time.  In 2018, I had the opportunity to work for Cell C as a Sales Consultant. I later moved to Huawei Technologies who offered me a position as a Customer Experienced Consultant. This position saw me overseeing 4 cellular network stores in Bayside Mall, Table View. Thanks to the leadership skills I learnt at Chrysalis Academy, my ability to take charge and to take direct instructions from higher authority, I was able carry out my duties with ease. As someone whose self-awareness level was high, I had confidence and the zeal to explore other possibilities at my disposal. I did not rest and was constantly on a search for new and more opportunities.

The attribute of being resilient, unleashed at Chrysalis Academy, paid off when the City of Cape Town responded 2 years later, by offering me an internship to complete my Public Relations practical. I resigned at Huawei Technologies to take on this new opportunity and that is where I am currently. I am working as a Public Relations and Journalist intern in Property Management and this will see me completing my Public Relations practical in order to obtain the National Diploma. I look forward to graduating as I grew to value education. I have grown to be independent and the best version of myself I can possibly be, something I could not have realised if it were not for the seeds of positivity planted at Chrysalis Academy through their transformative work. 

My goal at the City of Cape Town is to prove that I am worthy of a permanent position. However, instead of waiting, I make use of training and opportunities to upskill myself for future opportunities. There are restrictions for students, yet I still use the mind tools that Chrysalis taught me “UNLEASHING POTENTIAL”, “INTEGRITY” and “ACCOUNTABILITY”. My next goal is to obtain a degree, as my goal is to become a PR Practitioner.

Thank you ever so much Chrysalis Academy for planting an everlasting seed of Greatness in my life. 

In closing, I wish to encourage all youth to wear a mask, sanitize, wash your hands and respect all women!