It has been two months since I joined my community. This time has largely been about bonding with community members by learning from and sharing knowledge and skills with them. I’ve participated in activities such as farming, attending funerals, teaching, and handcrafting. While I’m still struggling with my new language, each day presents both a challenge and an opportunity to learn new words and practice using the language in conversations.

As part of my integration, I started teaching after receiving a request from the community. However, teaching is something I’ve never liked doing—especially teaching children. I’ve always preferred working in enclosed spaces, and standing in front of a class to manage students has been one of my fears. I know how much teachers can struggle because I was once a student myself.

I imagined how the children might already be making fun of my accent when I speak. It’s natural for someone’s pronunciation to sound amusing if it differs from what you’re used to, but it made me hesitant to take on this role. I was caught in a cycle of doubt, wondering whether to continue with teaching or not.

This experience has exposed me to things I typically avoid, but it’s also proven essential for my personal and professional growth. Not only am I building my confidence, but I’m also gaining more knowledge and experience in the subjects I teach. Though I’ve tried to avoid children, I find myself surrounded by them. I told myself, “You can’t run away from this. If it benefits them, it’s worth doing—and remember, they’re also helping you learn the language.”

This realization helped me relax, accept the situation, and commit to supporting the children’s learning as part of my community service.

This month has taught me resilience and reinforced my focus on the main goal: improving the welfare of people while advancing the principles of Pan-Africanism. I’ve learned to endure “panic zone” moments and understand that staying in a comfort zone hinders growth. Growth—both personal and professional—comes from stepping out of that comfort zone.

Volunteering for community service isn’t just about doing what you like; it’s about doing what is necessary and appropriate for the people you serve. This journey continues to shape me into a stronger and more adaptable individual.