Jess, Youth Representative 2023, passes the torch and reflects on her years with SADD

At the next Board meeting, we say goodbye to Jess as Youth Representative.  She’s been in a governance role with Kaitiaki o Ara for two years, which is some commitment considering this all came after she left school.  It’s been a privilege to be the one to facilitate the role and we have both thought deeply and laughed loudly whilst continuing to pathfind on behalf of those who follow.  Here are Jess’ parting words (Rog):

I came into Kaitiaki o Ara in year 11. I couldn’t have imagined that four years later I would still be involved and so passionate about what we do. Now that my tenure as Youth Representative is coming to an end, I have been reflecting on what I have gained during my time here, and it is so much more than I ever expected. 

Leadership
The NLP was my first larger-scale leadership role, and it taught me how to manage a team in the form of my school SADD group, but also how to lead from afar - making videos and maintaining an online presence to help inspire SADD groups all over Aotearoa. 

Teamwork
Working with people from all over Aotearoa has been such an enriching experience, but it has also been challenging. As a National Leader, we had to work out how to work together from our small corners of NZ, only meeting in person months later. This has helped with the Board of Trustees and as online meetings become the norm. 

How we work as Board Representatives has changed too, with the roles becoming less solitary and more collaborative. I have enjoyed being able to work with Tayla as a pair towards our goals, with each of us able to play to our strengths and support each other's growth. 

Resilience
My roles within SADD have been infused with COVID precautions and uncertainty, but they have taught me so much about contingency plans, not letting a single bad experience bring you down and how to cope with disappointment. I came to accept this through events being cancelled due to differing reasons and it is something that I am certainly better at handling than I was a few years ago.  It’s a skill that will take me far. 

Connections
Importantly, I gained many meaningful connections. From my friends in the National Leader Programme, to the external connections on the board, I learnt how to make and maintain connections in both a professional and personal way, and how to navigate those in a virtual space. 

All of these skills have helped me out with the rest of my life too. I have been able to gain scholarships, mentorship positions and opportunities that never would have been within reach if not for SADD. My time here has expanded my skill-set and increased my confidence to apply for these opportunities.

A new appreciation
When I finished as a National Leader, I realised the time had gone so fast, and there was so much more yet to do. I told myself I would do so much more as a Board Representative. I now know that these things take time, and many people are involved. Whilst the work I have put in may look small to me, but in looking back, I know I have paved a way for the next generation of Board Representatives to improve upon and make the role one of true empowerment.

Whilst my time with Kaitiaki o Ara has not been without its challenges, I am proud of the time I have spent here, and am equally grateful for everything it has offered. To embrace Kaitiaki o Ara is a wonderful thing. I leave the Youth Representative role in the safe hands of Tayla, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. 

-Jess Darnley, Kaitiaki o Ara Youth Representative 2023