Leadership experiences and challenges

Mia chatted to Akshara and Aimee at the end of the 2022 about their leadership experiences. In this interview they will talk about their highlights and challenges, both as National Leader’s and Regional Leader’s.

Mia: “Hi Aimee and Akshara, it is so nice to catch up with you at the end of the year. Tell us about your time being a National leader and Regional Leader?”

Akshara: “It was really fun and boosted my confidence. It really helped us to lead our SADD group, because the other students look up to you being a chosen leader. I grew as a person and became more confident. Taking charge of a group is out of my comfort zone, but I grew into it and learned to enjoy it.” 

Aimee: “It was a great experience. I loved being part of the first Regional Leader cohort and paving the way for others. It was all about planting the seeds. It gave me more confidence and a greater insight about SADD as an organisation.”

Mia: “Great to hear that. What was your favourite part of being in a leadership role?”

Akshara:  “Meeting like minded people, who share the same passion. At the leadership events we could exchange ideas. That was a highlight for me.”

Aimee: “Yeah, just as Akshara said it was great meeting new people and learning about how others do things. On top of that Roger was just awesome as our mentor.”

Mia: “Yes, we always love having you guys together at these events. What was your biggest challenge?”

Akshara: “My biggest challenge was getting people involved in my project. My goal was to connect the Auckland SADD groups together to collaborate and exchange ideas. I have emailed 30 schools and only received 6 replies. Even though we only had a few schools being involved it was great meeting the other leaders of the Auckland SADD groups.”

Aimee: “Sometimes being online can get harder when you are busy. It is easier to let it slip or hide during the meeting. When you meet, in person it is easier to express yourself freely.”

Mia: “Challenges are always part of the journey. You both did awesome. How did you guys work together in your SADD group?”

Akshara: “At school I am one of the head students and that kept me pretty busy with other commitments. I let Aimee be in charge of the group. She did amazing at keeping it all together. We are a great team, because we have been best friends since Year 2.”

Aimee: “Aww, thank you, and Akshara did all the admin stuff and following up with the group to ensure they are all happy. We worked together as an amazing team and the SADD team loved it. Our communication is great and we had no issues.”

Mia: “You guys are so sweet. I can see how well it worked. Since you both have been involved with SADD for a couple of years, what are your favourite activities that you did?”

Aimee: “The lock activity is my favourite one. I just love how many people get involved, because they want to leave a mark behind. The students put a lock on a fence and pledge to drive safely. It is an interactive experience, because everyone can see the locks in our school. It is also great to connect with our community. Every year Bunnings sponsors the locks and we are really grateful for that.”

Akshara: “For me it was interacting with the Police and getting them involved. We went to a checkpoint and that was a great experience. It was a pretty straight forward process, I contacted Mia and Sandra and gave me the contacts I needed. Then I contacted the police and Auckland Transport and it all went smoothly. Our community partners are very supportive. On top of that, our principal Clare loves to support our SADD initiatives and she responds really quickly to any help we need.”

Mia: “I love these activities, too. It was always fun to join them. Lastly, do you have any tips and tricks for your peers who want to apply to become a National or Regional Leader?”

Akshara: “Don't hesitate to try new things and be afraid to fail. This is all part of the journey. You will be rewarded when you are courageous enough. Also, if you are a leader make sure you communicate well with the group. We use Instagram messenger as a communication platform. It has worked best for us and everyone will be notified.”

Aimee: “Get really involved and love what you do. It makes it even more exciting when you are fired up about SADD already.”

Thank you Akshara and Aimee for the great catch up. We hope you are having an awesome start to your new adventure.