When I first joined The Roots and Wings Programme, I didn’t have a clear picture of where I wanted to grow. I just knew that something inside me was restless. I needed direction, I needed mental growth, and I needed a space to explore who I could become, not just who I already was.
Walking into that first meeting with my mentor, I carried a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. I wasn’t sure what to expect or even which questions to ask. But very quickly, that uncertainty turned into comfort. Our first conversation was more than just an introduction it was inspiring and deeply motivated. My mentor didn’t tell me who to be – instead, they listened, asked thoughtful questions, and gently helped me see possibilities I hadn’t considered.
One of the biggest shifts for me has been learning to find balance. Before the programme, I often felt pulled in different directions by my work responsibilities, personal life, and studies. Through honest conversations and practical guidance from my mentor, I began to understand that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being intentional with my time, kind to myself, and clear about my priorities. That small mindset shift has had a huge impact on how I show up every day.
The Roots and Wings Programme has also helped me grow beyond just skills and goals. I’ve had the privilege of meeting other mentees and mentors, each with their own journeys, struggles, and successes. Those “informal” moments – sharing stories, laughing together, exchanging ideas – became just as powerful as the formal sessions. They reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in community.
Through the programme, I’ve developed practical skills, gained confidence in my decisions, and become more intentional about my path. But perhaps the most meaningful change is internal. I now feel more grounded, more self-aware, and more hopeful about my future. I am not just moving forward blindly; I am walking with direction and purpose.
I am deeply grateful to the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) for creating and supporting The Roots and Wings Programme. It’s more than just a mentorship initiative – it’s a space where people are seen as whole human beings, with potential that goes far beyond their job titles.
Thank you for giving me the chance to grow, to connect, and to find my own wings.
Roots and Wings | Mentee – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
Claims Advocate and Client Services-ROA – AON Re
