Before joining the GROW program, 16-year-old Sophie felt overwhelmed by the usual stresses of teenage life. School pressures, social dynamics, and her own self-doubts often clouded her day. But Sophie's story changed when she decided to step into a role that not only challenged her but transformed her—she became a mentor for younger students through the GROW program, aimed at teaching primary school children how to manage their emotions, cope with change, and handle disappointment.

Sophie recalls her first day walking into a bustling classroom of 9-year-olds, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "The GROW program pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of new friendships and fun," Sophie shared. "It’s an experience I’d urge everyone to try—watch how it expands your world and boosts your confidence!"

As weeks turned into months, Sophie found herself growing alongside the children she taught. She developed not just confidence and leadership skills, but a profound understanding of her own emotional resilience. Leading sessions on emotional intelligence, Sophie learned to practice what she preached, applying the lessons of patience, empathy, and courage in her own life.

The children, in turn, found inspiration in Sophie. To them, she was more than a mentor; she was a role model—a teenager who navigated her own challenges yet stood in front of them, ready to help them face their own. Sophie's story of growth and resilience resonates deeply, proving that when we dare to extend ourselves for others, we not only change their lives but redefine our own.