The Ripple Effect: The Power of Influence
- NXT LEADERS
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Are your friends values aligned with the kind of life or future you want and envisage for yourself?
I was doing well in my studies during high school until year 10, when I became close to three friends who seemed fun but were unserious with their academics. Two of them rarely stayed in class, preferring to wander around outside the school premises or get involved in unproductive activities.
At first, I thought I could balance things. After all, they leaned on me for help with their studies, especially during exams. But little by little, their influence began to shape me. I started missing classes, neglecting subjects, and eventually, my grades dropped sharply.
By the end of year 11, the damage was clear: my performance had fallen so badly that the school invited my parents for a meeting. It was a wake-up call. I realised I was on a path of self-destruction. Not because of my ability, but because of the company I chose to keep.
That was when I decided to take a stand. I distanced myself from negative influences and re-focused on my future. I learned that consenting to inappropriate behaviour or surrounding yourself with people whose values don’t align with yours is a dangerous risk.
Your friends can either pull you forward or hold you back. Choose wisely, because the ripple effect of influence is powerful — it can either sink your potential or push you to new heights.
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
Think about these three questions:
Do the people around me encourage my growth, or do they hold me back?
Are my friends’ values aligned with the kind of future I want?
What steps can I take to surround myself with positive influences today?
Why Peer Mentoring Works
Relatable role models: Young people are more likely to listen to those close to their own age who have “been there.”
Safe encouragement: Having a mentor provides a judgment-free space to talk about challenges.
Confidence through connection: Belonging to a supportive community boosts self-esteem and motivation.
How We Support Young People Through Mentoring
At NXT Leaders, our Peer Mentoring Programme is at the heart of what we do. We:
Match young people with trained mentors who understand their struggles.
Provide workshops that build leadership, resilience, and life skills.
Encourage mentees to become mentors, creating a cycle of impact.
What Young People Can Learn
For Young People:
Choose your circle wisely - your friends shape your future.
Don’t be afraid to look up to someone. Mentors aren’t perfect, but they can guide you.
Leadership starts small - by helping someone else, you grow too.
For Parents:
Encourage your child to seek role models and join positive networks.
Support mentoring relationships - they provide guidance you may not always be able to.
For Youth Organisations:
Build peer-to-peer mentoring into your programmes.
Train young leaders to give back by guiding others.
Celebrate and highlight stories of positive influence, it inspires others.
The Ripple Effect in Action
When one young person chooses to step up, speak out, and lead positively, the impact spreads- to friends, families, schools, and entire communities.
That’s the power of mentoring. That’s the heart of NXT Leaders.
Want to join the ripple effect? Whether you’re a young person, parent, or youth organisation you can be part of building a generation of positive influencers.
Learn more: www.nxtleaders.org
Together, let’s choose influence that builds, not breaks.
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