Starting Young, Leading Strong: My Path to Master Guide at 21

Nolwazi Tshawe is a passionate and dedicated young leader who achieved her Master Guide at the age of 21, inspiring others through her resilience, faith, and commitment to the ministry.

My journey to becoming a Master Guide is deeply personal, shaped by my family and faith. Growing up, my mother wasn’t a Seventh-day Adventist, but she joined the church because of the Pathfinder ministry. My father was actively involved in the church as the former President of the Westrand District, and I often accompanied them to various church activities. Watching them serve taught me the importance of discipline, spirituality, and dedication.

These lessons not only guided my spiritual growth but also influenced my approach to life outside the church. I realized that becoming a Master Guide wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about using my skills and knowledge to serve others. Despite the challenges I faced along the way, completing the curriculum was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In 2020, my mother decided to start the Master Guide curriculum, Unfortunately, she had to pause her journey due to unforeseen circumstances. However, in 2023, she reignited her passion and suggested we complete the program together. This time, we committed to holding each other accountable, which became a cornerstone of our success.

Completing the Master Guide curriculum required discipline, consistency, and a strong support system. I learned that dedicating small, manageable amounts of time daily helped me stay on track. I started with just 10 minutes a day and gradually built up my momentum. At first, I tried to accomplish too much too quickly, which led to burnout. Learning to pace myself made all the difference.

My beautiful mother

Having someone to hold me accountable was invaluable. My mother and I worked as a team, encouraging each other to push through challenging moments. When I didn’t feel like working on the program, I would see her dedication, and it motivated me to keep going. Mentorship also played a critical role in my success. I didn’t have a mentor initially, which made the journey harder. Thankfully, my mother and other mentors stepped in to guide me, providing the support and wisdom I needed.

One of the most challenging aspects of the curriculum was the "Share section" component. Sharing my faith, especially as a young person, wasn’t always easy. At 21, I faced criticism from some who felt I was “too spiritual” or “too young” to be taken seriously. To overcome this, I turned to platforms like Facebook and TikTok, where I shared videos and posts about my spiritual journey. While I was initially hesitant, seeing people engage with my content encouraged me. Even when there wasn’t much interaction, I reminded myself that my goal was to share, not seek validation.

Balancing the curriculum with college life was another hurdle. Strikes at my school gave me unexpected time to focus on both my studies and the Master Guide program. Weekends were dedicated to church, family, and friends, and I set aside one Sunday each month for rest. This balance allowed me to grow spiritually and personally.

Mentorship played a crucial role in my growth. Even after completing the program, I continue to learn from experienced leaders in the ministry, including friends of my father. Their guidance helps me blend traditional practices with modern approaches, ensuring that we preserve the essence of the Pathfinder ministry while adapting to new challenges.

To anyone starting this journey, my advice is simple: stay consistent and patient because progress takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Surround yourself with support, whether it’s from mentors, friends, or family, who will hold you accountable and encourage you when the road gets tough. Keep your vision clear, focus on the impact you want to make, and trust that God will guide you through.

Completing the Master Guide curriculum has changed my life. Personally, I’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle, incorporating running, hiking, and workouts into my routine. Spiritually, I’ve grown closer to God through morning prayers, daily devotion, and reading the Bible cover to cover with a friend.

In my new role, I aim to be a reliable leader for the Adventurers and Pathfinders I serve. I want to build meaningful relationships, lead by example, and remain approachable. Although I’ve faced skepticism due to my age, I’m determined to let my work and dedication speak for itself. While I enjoy working behind the scenes, my mentors continue to push me to step into leadership roles, reminding me of my potential. I’m committed to serving wholeheartedly, growing in the ministry, and inspiring others to do the same.

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