Today, I turn 26, and as I reflect on my journey, it's funny to think back to when I was so afraid of my age. I used to worry that no one would take me seriously. I've had people look at me during leadership conversations and speaking engagements and actually say, "What do you know?" But today, I admire myself and appreciate how much I've grown. I've embraced my Gen Z side, using it for good by breaking the mold and going against the grain. I find myself sitting at tables and entering rooms where no one else is my age. I believe that age doesn't matter—everyone has something to share, and you can learn from anyone. Every year on my birthday, I have a special ritual: I write a letter to my future self, one year from now. This practice helps me get clear about how I want to live my life and the impact I want to make. Here are some questions I ask myself: What challenges do you hope to overcome this year? How will you continue to grow as a leader? What new skills or knowledge do you want to acquire? How will you balance work and personal life better? What relationships do you want to nurture or build? How can you give back to your community in a meaningful way? What are you most proud of accomplishing this past year? How will you celebrate your successes, both big and small? What steps will you take to prioritize your well-being? What new experiences do you want to embrace? Thinking about the future version of myself keeps me motivated. We don't have forever, and getting clear on our goals can be a game-changer. So, this is my message to you: think about the future you and make them proud. Here's to another year of growth, learning, and making a positive impact. Let's continue to break barriers and prove that age is just a number. #BirthdayReflection #LeadershipJourney #GenZLeader #FutureGoals #SelfGrowth
Happy birthday to you Keely Antonio 🎉🎉🎉 You possess such maturity and I am impressed with you and age isn’t an issue for me
Happy Birthday. Congratulations on your accomplishment. I love that you write letters to your future self. It's great that you keep your goals in front of you and you make better as you go.
HBD!!!!!!!
Happy birthday
Happy Birthday 🎉
Happy Birthday Keely!
Happy birthday Keely! Great perspective!
Happy Always!!
This is great Keely 👏
Igniting leadership potential: Successful urban ed leader partnering with education + social sector leaders to solve problems, transform outcomes, and cultivate a legacy of impact.
3wI love this…. “Thinking about the future version of myself keeps me motivated. We don't have forever, and getting clear on our goals can be a game-changer. So, this is my message to you: think about the future you and make them proud.” Leaning into who we want to become leads to our becoming. Great questions to reflect on also! Happy Birthday!