What went well?

This week marked the mural inauguration, which turned out to be a huge success. Around 120 people attended, and the weather held up perfectly despite our worries about rain. It was incredibly rewarding to see the project come together after weeks of planning. The youth were curious and engaged, asking about the meaning of the mural and even getting the chance to paint parts of it themselves. It felt like a true community moment.

On the website front, I received feedback on my draft of proposed changes and implemented the necessary revisions. With the designer lined up, the project is now set to officially begin in September.

What could have been done differently?

Overall, the week went smoothly. If anything, I could have taken a moment during the inauguration to step back and appreciate the event in real time instead of staying focused on logistics.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

I realized how much I value building relationships beyond the professional setting. Saying goodbye to the KYC team was emotional, but it didn’t feel final since we had built genuine friendships that will continue beyond this six-week placement.

What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership is about creating spaces where others feel ownership. Watching the youth paint parts of the mural themselves reminded me that the most powerful projects are those where the community doesn’t just observe but participates directly.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I want to carry forward the sense of fulfillment I felt this week into future projects. Beyond practical skills like project management and communication, I want to keep practicing how to build connections that outlast the formal end of a project.