Year 12 Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT)

This week, ten of us were selected to participate in the prestigious PILOT (Pasefika Islander Leaders Of Tomorrow) program. The lucky group included me, AJ Muliaga Smith, alongside Mereseini Aisake, Kalavena Henry, Nia Su'a, Thereza Su'a, Leia Smith, Emma Ngau, Erazmus Saufoi-Anania, Erollis Soseu, and Ruta Samasoni. This program is specially designed for aspiring leaders like us, helping indigenous and underrepresented teenagers from the Pasifika community navigate leadership roles both in school and beyond.

During the program, we had the privilege of learning from guest speaker Indigo Sagala, who shared five essential tips for being a leader. These insights have been incredibly valuable and have shaped our understanding of leadership:

It’s Not Just About You Anymore: Being a leader means putting your personal feelings aside and prioritising the needs of the group. This lesson taught us the importance of selflessness and dedication to our responsibilities.

Lead How You Want to Be Led: This principle emphasises the importance of leading by example. Treat others with the respect, empathy, and guidance that you would expect for yourself. It’s a reminder that effective leadership is about mutual respect and understanding.

Your Values and Morals Are Your Code: As leaders, our values and morals guide our decisions and actions. They are the foundation upon which we build our leadership style. This lesson encouraged us to reflect on our principles and ensure that they align with our actions.

Remember Who You Are: This tip was about staying true to our identity. It’s easy to lose oneself in leadership roles, but it’s crucial to remain grounded in our roots, culture, and values.

Embrace Your Roots: Similar to the fourth tip, this piece of advice emphasised the importance of remembering where we come from. Our heritage and background are sources of strength and inspiration, and they should always be at the forefront of our leadership journey.

Throughout the program, we engaged in numerous activities designed to reinforce these lessons. One activity, in particular, stood out to me and embodied the message that "Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge." This activity involved team-building exercises that required us to work together, communicate effectively, and support each other, reflecting the core values of leadership.

We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Talamaivao for selecting us for this program and ensuring we had the means to participate. We also extend our thanks to AUT for hosting us and providing a conducive environment for learning and growth.

In conclusion, PILOT has been an enlightening experience, equipping us with the tools and knowledge to become effective leaders. As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the strong sense of community and identity that this program has reinforced. As a powerful reminder of our journey, I leave you with this quote: "Leadership is not about being the best. It’s about making everyone else better."

Fa’afetai lava

by AJ Falaniko-Smith 12FS