One of the hardest humility pills I had to swallow was recognizing that not everyone would immediately embrace you or your ideas. In communities, especially those that have faced broken promises or misaligned interventions, people are familiar with NGOs giving handouts and often meet volunteers with skepticism. 

As a Volunteer, I quickly learned that my presence alone didn’t guarantee trust or understanding. People had questions: Why are you here? What do you want from us? How will this help? And rightly so. They needed time to see that I wasn’t there to impose but to listen, learn, and walk alongside them. Instead of reacting defensively, I had to slow down and meet them where they were. I spent hours sitting with community elders, mothers, and youth, patiently explaining our approach and, more importantly, showing through my actions that I was genuinely there to serve, not to control.

Changing fixed mindsets isn’t a battle won overnight. It’s built on small, consistent acts of respect and collaboration. Even the smallest gesture; asking for their advice on an idea or inviting them to co-lead an initiative, began to shift their perceptions. Slowly, the walls of skepticism softened, replaced by curiosity and, eventually, trust.

The beauty of this process lies in its reciprocal nature. While I worked to help the community embrace a growth mindset, I found my perspectives evolving. I learned that humility is not just a tool to engage others, it’s the bridge that allows genuine relationships to flourish.

Now, when I reflect on those moments of doubt and resistance, I feel immense gratitude. They taught me the value of patience, persistence, and perspective. Each moment of skepticism wasn’t a block, it was an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the community’s history, values, and priorities.

So, if you’re ever in a similar position, facing fixed mindsets in a community, remember this: humility isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for mutual growth. Keep showing up, keep listening, and let trust do its quiet, powerful work. Move forward with patience.