By: Joneill Du Plessis (GCBR MABYouth)
On the weekend of 6 – 8 February 2026, the GCBR MAB Youth and Grade 12 learners from Gerrit Du Plessis Secondary School received a BrightStar Lifestyle Training with Dr Arnel Huisamen and Zenariah Poole. The training consisted of three modules: Brilliant Self, Brilliant Relationships, and Brilliant Leaders.
The aim of the course was personal development, both as a person and as a leader. The training included how to improve your lifestyle using a few simple steps and focused on gaining more control over your emotions. It also included strategies to improve your mood on a bad day. The course taught us how to be a team member and how working in a team can be beneficial, especially if you are the team leader. It also showed how to set an example for your fellow team members as well as for yourself and focused on becoming a better role model for others.
As a person who attended the training, I can say that it was an exciting and exceptional learning experience for myself. There were so many things I never knew about self-improvement as a person. The facilitators were excellent at explaining everything, especially since no answer was considered incorrect. The participants were also brilliant, giving their full attention and learning from the experience.
Personally, I feel I have improved my self-image and self-confidence and now have a clearer understanding of how to manage my emotions, even on my worst days. My leadership skills and my ability to plan effectively were a challenge prior to the training. With BrightStar, I have learned that there are many ways to do things without overthinking. You only need to follow a few simple steps. Work smarter, not harder.
