March 3, 2017
I have through my life felt like I am the same Sofie. Apart from obvious changes like physical appearance, life experience and pure knowledge, I think I’ve had the same core values, beliefs and dreams for as long as I can remember. One might think that this sounds strange, having in mind the time I’ve spent living out of a backpack, feeling lost in foreign countries or sailing on stormy seas – always searching for the next adventure.
I specifically remember one exercise at Amani Institute when I was asked to share one life-changing experience. I thought long and hard and then told my classmate Marina that I wasn’t sure. She looked at me wonderingly, with her big blue eyes, and said: “What do you mean you have never experienced anything that transformed you?
Today I can tell you this, Amani changed my life.
I graduated from the Amani Institute after having spent 9 months in São Paulo. You can now call me an Amani Fellow, a proud Amani Fellow for that matter. The person who wakes up in the morning today is different from the person who woke up in the morning 9 months ago. I’m more confident, a better listener, more empathetic, and I believe in myself and am proud of my story. I feel that what I am, and what I can offer, has a place in this world, and if not, I have the confidence to go and create it.
I can honestly say that I have never in my life before been surrounded by so many people who genuinely care about my well-being and who are willing to support me in reaching my goals, both professionally and personally. The Amani team has – time after time – proved to understand me better than I understand myself, helping me bring awareness to things I couldn’t have discovered on my own. Could one wish for any better support? The city of São Paulo has also become my home. I have fallen in love with this city because Amani made me fall in love with who I became here. So, the question remains: do I still feel like the same Sofie? Yes, but something inside of me has shifted dramatically. I feel ready to take on the world.
Do you also want to transform your life? Become a change-maker and join the Amani family, a decision that you will never regret.
Article by – Sofie Carmlind-
