Student Tiara Kisten balances high school studies with volunteering in a religious community in Chatsworth

Tiara Kisten, a 12th-grade student at Newhaven High School, is balancing the demands of preparing for Matrix exams with active involvement in the Saiwa Sitanda Kajgam branch in Chatsworth. As part of Women's Month, she aims to inspire more young women toward leadership through faith, discipline, and determination.

Balancing Academic and Spiritual Duties

Despite the approaching mock exams and Matrix textbooks on her desk, the evenings of this Chatsworth teenager do not end after classes. The 12th-grade student from Newhaven High School sets aside her notes for Matrix preparation to join other followers at the Saiwa Sitanda Kajgam branch in Chatsworth, where she serves her religious community.

This balance has become the foundation of her journey, which she hopes will inspire other young women during Women's Month celebrations in South Africa in August. While many graduates focus solely on their final school examinations, Kisten has worked as a service facilitator for Saiwa Sitanda Kajgam South Africa for the past two years.

Goals and Personal Experience

In addition to her aspiration to study law after school, she is equally dedicated to preserving her spiritual heritage and encouraging youth to embrace faith, discipline, and community service. Kisten believes that careful planning allows her to achieve both academic and spiritual goals, despite the long hours required by Matrix. She notes: 'Matrix is complex, but it is possible with proper preparation and time management.'

Her daily routine reflects this commitment: after school, she completes homework, prepares for exams, and then practices devotional hymns, concluding her day. Kisten is convinced that her spiritual path does not distract her from her studies; rather, it has strengthened her character. She explained: 'Spirituality helped me feel better because it helped me become more confident and taught me important time management skills.'

Organizational Involvement

Her introduction to the organization came through her parents, who encouraged her participation from an early age. She joined the movement at age 11 and conducted her first service at 15, solidifying her commitment to serving both God and her community. Today, Kisten serves as a service facilitator at the Chatsworth branch, leading weekly hour-long services and delivering short sermons, often based on the teachings of His Holiness Sri Swami Santalinga Adigalla, as well as preparing her own messages. Her duties also include promoting Saivism teachings in society.

The weekly prayer services attract around 50 followers, although attendance varies depending on the occasion. Despite the need to balance responsibilities with Matrix requirements, Kisten says that the opportunity to lead worship has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey. She emphasized: 'I learned about the importance of spirituality among youth, as well as the values of humility and respect. When I realized the discipline instilled in me through spirituality, I understood that many young people today lack these values.'

Inspiration and Message

Kisten attributes much of her inspiration to the Spiritual Head of the organization, His Holiness Sri Swami Santalinga Adigalla, whose example continues to motivate her. She stated: 'He taught me to always be humble while remaining confident, and to always put Shiva Puramana first.'

As South Africa observes Women's Month in August, Kisten feels that the national recognition is aimed at acknowledging strength, courage, and resolve. She remarked: 'It is a month of celebrating warriors and being grateful for all they do.'

Her message to girls facing pressure from studies, social media, and daily life is simple yet powerful: 'Always believe in yourself and be true to who you are. You matter, you are significant, and you are heard.'

Although she dreams of studying law, Kisten also hopes to continue serving her religious community and encouraging more young people to participate. She believes that many young people lose interest because they simply do not understand their religion, and she thinks that creating welcoming and engaging opportunities can help change this. She concludes: 'There is no such thing as impossible. With good time management and determination, you can achieve your goals.'

iol.co.zaJuly 26, 15:48

How Books Contribute to Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

For the author, reading has always been a personal journey that he approaches with great care. He does not aim to read every book, but rather seeks out one that aligns with his current state of mind and prompts him to explore new ideas.

The Essence of Reading

For him, reading goes beyond simply finishing pages. It is a process of recognition, comprehension, and leaving behind questions. The author often contemplates what he is living for, what he is studying, what burdens he carries, and what truths he is still trying to uncover. Although some books do not provide direct answers, they motivate him to ask deeper questions.

Memorable Works

Books that remain in memory are not necessarily the loudest or most popular; they are those that continue to resonate long after the last page is turned. The author notes that self-confidence lies not in perfection, but in self-belief in action—in the courage to move forward even when doubt arises. This thought reminds him that life often requires showing up before you feel completely ready.

He highly values books such as 'Strong Ground' because they address the complex yet necessary process of falling, experiencing, and rebirth. These works do not embellish life's difficulties but respect vulnerability, reminding him that true growth often begins where the comfort zone ends. Furthermore, literature that reflects a balance between progress and humanity, such as 'Navigating the Future: Embracing AI with Humanity and Purpose,' attracts his attention, prompting him to pause and consider meaning rather than just chasing achievements.

Reading as a Vocation

A friend once observed that he reads as a vocation, and the author agrees. For him, reading is not only a source of pleasure but an integral part of his life path. He extends this love to watching Korean and Chinese dramas with subtitles on Netflix, enjoying the exploration of language, emotion, and narrative in all its forms. He describes himself as a selective reader, much like a discerning diner, knowing what nourishes his soul and recognizing authenticity. Just as with food, he chooses books that challenge, comfort, or expand his worldview.

The Search for Meaning in Life

Ultimately, this is the true purpose of books for him. They help him grow, reflect, and ask better questions, sometimes leading to the most important question: who am I becoming? The answer is never final, but every book, story, and reflection brings him closer to becoming a more thoughtful, resilient, and authentic person. Thus, reading is not just consuming words; it is the formation of the personality he becomes, page by page.