My KALFI LEAD Experience:
Learning the Ropes of Youth Leadership
(How I stopped being brand-conscious and be more socially aware on the day I said no to fast fashion)
My First Lesson: How to be Humble
As an overall experience, the most relevant thing that being a KALFI Leader has taught me so far is to always keep my views and actions realistic, and in the right perspective.
Remembering that there are more wonderful, intelligent, and talented people outside my own university helps me remember (and constantly remind me) not to think of myself too highly, and to think beyond the boundaries of my own university campus and the people there.
In other words, the experience has taught me to widen my horizons while still keeping me grounded.
Lesson # 2: I became Socially Aware
Perhaps the most important thing I discovered during my time so far in KALFI Lead was social consciousness, and discernment for product support.
One of the most memorable experiences I had was attending a KALFI talk in which Habi Footwear presented their story.
This made me realize the importance of supporting local businesses that provide jobs for their worker communities, maintain sustainability, and are environmentally friendly.
Lesson #3: Not Anymore Brand-conscious
I became more cautious of the products I buy, and I am more selective of the brands I support, and have since then discovered a new advocacy for sweatshop-free labor especially in the textile industry.
Additionally, I am not as conscious anymore about buying branded items and I feel so much more liberated because of this.
In turn, avoiding certain brands has taught me to look for local alternatives that are just as good, and this helps me support local businesses more feasibly.
Because of this, I started learning more about the pros and cons of such topics as fast fashion (also known as landfill fashion for a good reason), exploitation of cheap labor in Third World countries, etc.
Additionally, I am not as conscious anymore about buying branded items and I feel so much more liberated because of this.
In turn, avoiding certain brands has taught me to look for local alternatives that are just as good, and this helps me support local businesses more feasibly.
Of course there were times when projects and requirements seemed difficult, with org life and college life being very difficult to balance at times.
I have had my fair share of problems as well. Looking back at the past two years I have completed so far, I still wonder how I managed to finish everything, but in the end, everything really will turn out fine, and it is all just a matter of looking forward and persevering.
With all of this being stated, I look forward to completing this journey.
