Attending the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) for the first time was a transformative experience for me. It helped me grow in many ways, but most significantly, in my spiritual life. Fr. Selvam’s advice to us as young people deeply resonated with me, inspiring a noticeable step forward in my spiritual growth.
As someone with a social personality, I found great joy in meeting and interacting with peers who share similar dreams and ideas. Engaging with others, exchanging perspectives, and building connections made me feel at home. This experience has left me eager to meet more people and attend future SYM events. Before this, I used to think the world ended at the gates of my community. However, meeting people from different countries and cultures opened my eyes to the vastness of the world and the opportunities it holds.
Attending the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) for the first time was a transformative experience; it opened my eyes to the vastness of the world, deepened my spiritual life, and taught me to make others happy wherever I go and with whomever I meet.”
Another enriching aspect of the event was gaining insight into different vocations, including religious life and marriage. I previously believed that joining the Salesians meant being completely removed from worldly influences. However, a Salesian Sister clarified this misconception, showing that one can live a balanced and fulfilling life within the Salesian vocation. Many of my lingering life questions were answered during the sessions, providing me with clarity and peace. Experiencing traditions from various cultures was also a highlight—it was both fascinating and enlightening.
“Gaining insight into different vocations helped me realize that the Salesian life is not about withdrawing from the world, but about living a balanced and fulfilling life; it brought clarity, peace, and opened my heart to the beauty of diverse cultures.”
Being blessed with an extroverted personality, I was able to make friends from all over Kenya. We exchanged ideas, traditions, and aspirations while reflecting on how to improve our lives by addressing the immoral behaviors we were challenged to overcome. The event encouraged us to align our lives more closely with the values we were taught.
This experience was truly enriching, and I am deeply grateful to God for the opportunity. I pray that God continues to inspire our sisters and priests to organize such events, which provide young people with the guidance and inspiration to realize their dreams through Don Bosco’s legacy. One powerful takeaway for me was the saying: “Make others happy wherever you go, and with whomever you meet.
