"Over my time at Att10tive Social Enterprise, I’ve learned that the smallest moments often have the biggest impact. A conversation, a bit of encouragement or the way you handle a task can stay with someone long after you’ve forgotten about it. That’s usually where being a role model quietly begins.
"When I first joined Att10tive, I didn’t think of myself as a role model at all. I simply wanted to contribute to something positive in the community. But as I became involved in more projects, I started to understand that being a role model isn’t about being an expert, it’s about being reliable, intentional and willing to take responsibility when it matters. Those qualities, over time, naturally influence the people around you.
"My role as Deputy Project Leader for Expressions, which was Att10tive’s raising awareness About Violence Against Women and Girls project was a turning point. The project created a space where young people could speak openly about challenging topics, and being trusted to help deliver that space showed me how much responsibility comes with guiding conversations like these. Leadership isn’t always about speaking the most; often, it’s about creating an environment where others feel safe to speak at all.
"That understanding deepened when I was interviewed by the BBC about the same project. Speaking publicly made me realise that your influence doesn’t end with the people directly in front of you. Sometimes you impact people you’ve never met, in places you’ve never been. That in itself is powerful. It also highlights the responsibility that comes with having a voice and using it on behalf of those who may not have a platform.
"Not all influence is public, though. Some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly, like helping a new ambassador settle in, reassuring someone before a presentation, or consistently showing up for others. These small acts often end up shaping someone’s confidence more than the bigger ones.
"Through my experiences, I’ve learned that being a role model isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.
- It means leading through your actions.
- It means staying composed and respectful, even under pressure.
- It means listening properly and giving people space.
- It means keeping your values at the centre of your decisions.
- And most importantly, it means supporting others in a way that helps them grow too.
"Att10tive has shown me that real youth leadership is built through lived experience and genuine care. Young people don’t need faultless examples, they need honest ones. They need to see people who try, learn and keep going.
"Being a role model isn’t something you wait to grow into. It develops through the choices you make, the way you treat people and the impact you leave behind, often without even realising it.”
Sara Mohyuddin is a Senior Youth Ambassador with Att10tive Social Enterprise, where she helps lead youth projects focused on community empowerment, well-being and positive change. Follow Att10tive on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and watch youth-led content on YouTube.