How New Experiences Have Driven My Growth
By Justus Woods, Southern Methodist University, 2026
SXSW London
When I reflect on the experiences that have driven my biggest personal growth, entering new environments always stands out. Whether it was moving to five different states before high school or transferring to a private PWI university after earning my associate's degree at community college, these shifts have consistently pushed me to grow. Few experiences rival the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, forging connections with new people, and immersing yourself in a fresh environment that ignites creativity and deepens self-awareness.
That’s why I’m thrilled to join Brand New Day as a Student Ambassador, especially as they head to SXSW’s first-ever event in London.
The heart of this role for me is about expanding the impact of a transformative program. It’s not just about what I gain but about the ripple effects of bringing this experience to others. Brand New Day’s mission of cultivating leadership, innovation, and personal growth resonates deeply with my values, and being an ambassador allows me to amplify that mission, ensuring its benefits reach a much wider audience
Transforming Through Collaboration
The upcoming SXSW London trip promises to be an incredible opportunity for attendees to experience workshops, cultural immersions, and networking events designed to challenge our perspectives and foster growth. As someone who thrives in hands-on learning, I’m excited to participate in interactive workshops, like problem-solving global challenges with industry leaders, and to gain insights from behind-the-scenes tours of innovative companies such as Google London.
These experiences will undoubtedly shape my journey as a student and aspiring leader. They will allow me to refine skills like collaborative thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while connecting me with a global network of peers and professionals who share the same drive for impact.
Inspired by Stories of Transformation
Nicole Haddad, the founder of Brand New Day, exemplifies the power of travel to inspire purpose. Her formative trips to places like the Grand Canyon sparked not only personal growth but a mission to create programs that merge wonder with development. Similarly, Abbie Ellermeier’s Shoreditch experience demonstrates how stepping into a new environment can redefine one’s sense of self and ignite creativity in unimaginable ways. These stories are testaments to the profound effect of programs like Brand New Day.
Expanding Horizons for Others
As a Student Ambassador, I’ll have the chance to share this transformative journey with others, helping them see how a program like this can open doors to growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. By inviting more students to engage in this experience, I hope to create a network of leaders who take the skills and inspiration they gain in London and apply them to create positive change in their communities and beyond! This is more than a trip, it’s a catalyst for transformation. Let’s connect and expand this impact together!
