Mistakes have a way of teaching us what success never can. They arrive in small, quiet moments, also the big messy ones. But more importantly they force us to face ourselves in ways that are uncomfortable yet necessary. In my continuing journey in BBYO, I’ve learned that the moments I thought were failures often held the most important lessons.

There have been countless times where I’ve messed up something that felt huge at the moment, but in hindsight, wasn’t as big as I had imagined. The first time I ever posted on Instagram as Mazkirah, I used the wrong shade of colors, and the post looked a little silly. I had been proud to finally contribute, yet it felt like I was stepping through a narrow doorway into a bright, windy field. I knew what door I was walking through and where I was going, which was the responsibility and the commitment ahead, but I hadn’t braced myself for how hard that wind would hit. There were also times I miscommunicated important details for events, leaving members confused or unsure. These moments carried weight, and for a while, I placed unnecessary pressure on myself. I thought I should have known better, done it perfectly, or avoided the mistake entirely. Even tried to hide them, hoping no one would notice.

But over time, I realized that mistakes are not signs of failure, they are invitations to grow. Each typo, each awkward miscommunication, each misstep taught me patience, creativity, and critical thinking. More importantly, they taught me what it means to be a leader. They showed me how to try again, to reflect, and to lead with intention rather than fear.

Making mistakes is a daily part of BBYO life for everyone, not just me. From posts that missed the mark, to simple miscommunications, to events that didn’t go exactly as planned, we all stumble at some point and that is okay. What matters is how we respond. These experiences have shaped me, and they can shape you too. Growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure, it comes from leaning into it, learning from it, and using it to become more confident, capable, and a better version of yourself.

Embracing mistakes has changed the way I lead. Instead of fearing them, I encourage my peers and myself to take risks, experiment, and embrace imperfection. Mistakes are no longer something to hide, they are tools for growth, connection, and creativity. Failing forward doesn’t just make me a better leader, it creates space for others to try, to learn, and to grow as well. Every “failure” is just a chance to understand yourself better, to lead with empathy, and to trust that growth matters more than perfection. I’ve learned that true leadership comes from failing forward.