BY SHAIRA SHYN O. ARDIA
I HAVE always dreamed of exploring destinations beyond the Philippines. This year, that dream finally became a reality when Dr. Mizell offered me the opportunity to travel to South Africa for the first time and join a leadership training at Hippo Lakes Luxury Safari Lodge, just north of Johannesburg.
As a tourism student from the University of Mindanao, I did not travel just to see a new place—I became part of the Marksman Leadership Training for Women, an experience that shaped my confidence, my faith, perspective, and sense of purpose.
According to author Matt Mizell, “Great leaders don’t drift—they aim, act, and follow through.” This idea stayed with me throughout the training. Many people lack these qualities and live without direction, but the program challenged us to lead with intention.
Another message that inspired me deeply was: “A woman with vision becomes unstoppable.” We were reminded that as women of faith, we are not meant to simply fit in—we are meant to stand out. More importantly, I learned that my purpose is greater than my doubts and fears.
This was my first time riding an airplane and traveling thousands of kilometers away from home. What made the experience even more meaningful was working alongside a team of 50 people from the United States, led by Matt Mizell, along with his wife, Ashten Mizell, and their family.
Being surrounded by people from different countries—including the U.S., Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa—allowed me to see the world not only through my own perspective, but through a diverse, global lens. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Aland Mizell, Matt Mizell, Deaon, and Ashten Mizell for making this life-changing opportunity possible.
From the moment I arrived, South Africa felt vibrant and alive. The landscapes were breathtaking, from wide open savannas to stunning coastlines. As a tourism student, I was impressed by how the country balances natural beauty with a strong tourism infrastructure. Every place we visited told a story shaped by history, culture, and the warmth of its people.
Working with the American team was both exciting and challenging. At first, I felt nervous because of language differences and cultural gaps. My fellow scholar, Lynnnth Aguilar, who is a political science student and a former exchange student in the U.S., helped me adjust and communicate effectively.
Over time, I realized that faith and shared purpose connect people beyond cultural differences. We exchanged ideas, documented our journey, and learned from one another. Their perspective helped me see South Africa as a global destination, while I shared insights from a Filipina point of view.
One of the most unforgettable experiences was going on daily game drives, where we saw wildlife up close—lions, elephants, hippos, and more. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat deepened my appreciation for sustainable tourism. It reminded me that tourism is not only about visiting places, but also about protecting them for future generations.
This journey also helped me grow personally. Traveling far from home taught me independence, adaptability, and confidence. However, before we even began our journey, we faced a major challenge at immigration in Manila. Despite having valid visas, we were held for questioning for more than two hours. The experience was stressful and discouraging, as it felt like our intentions were being doubted. At one point, we feared missing our flight.
Thankfully, Dr. Mizell was there to support us. He calmly answered questions and clarified the purpose of our trip, helping reassure the officers. Because of his assistance, we were eventually allowed to proceed. That moment taught me that travel is not always easy—challenges are part of the journey. It also showed me the importance of strong leadership and having people who stand by you in difficult situations.
The journey continued with even more meaningful experiences. Dr. Mizell and Attorney Cariaga later attended a conference in Cape Town focused on College education Behind Bars for incarcerated individuals—an issue closely connected to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison.
Learning about this added depth to my understanding of leadership, education, and second chances. Thank you, Dr. Mizell, for loving and caring for Filipinos more than Filipinos themselves—spending the prime of his life serving and helping Filipinos. I am proud to get to know you and will never forget the rest of my life your sacrifice. Uncommon life has uncommon cost like you.
True leadership is rooted in service, sacrifice, and compassion. As written in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Meeting Dr. Mizell and witnessing his commitment to helping and uplifting others is something I will always be grateful for. His example taught me that an uncommon life comes with uncommon sacrifice, responsibility, and purpose. More importantly, it reminded me that leadership is not about recognition, but about service that impacts the lives of hundreds of students like me
As I reflected on my experiences, I noticed similarities between South Africa and the Philippines. Both countries share histories of colonial influence, agricultural roots, and ongoing challenges such as poverty and corruption. Travel made me realize that no place is perfect. Every country faces its own struggles. Sometimes, as Filipinos, we underestimate ourselves and assume that other nations are better. But I learned that our strength lies in our resilience, creativity, and humanity.
Johannesburg, for example, felt vibrant and fast-paced, with diverse communities and lively energy. However, I also observed real challenges, such as safety concerns and visible inequality. Despite these differences, South Africa as a whole is incredibly rich in culture and diversity. To truly experience the country, one must explore multiple regions and take time to understand its complexity.
Looking back, my first visit to South Africa was more than just a trip—it was a life-changing experience. It deepened my passion for tourism and strengthened my desire to work in an international environment someday. The training taught me that leadership is not about authority, but about listening, understanding, and inspiring others.
Beyond the lessons and the places, it was the people and connections that made this journey unforgettable. I returned home not only with memories, but with a renewed sense of purpose in life and confidence.
This journey proved that the most meaningful travel experiences are not just about the destinations we visit, but about the growth we achieve and the people we meet along the way. And for me, this is only the beginning.
Shaira Shyn Ocariza Arida is a 3rd-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) student at the University of Mindanao
