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Layla Steyn is a student at Stellenbosch University and participated in the Future17 Sustainability Challenge, a multi-institutional experiential learning programme that combines career-focused skill development, SDG literacy and practical work experience through real-world projects for global companies, start-ups and charities.
When my roommate and I got the Future17 emails, only one of us applied and it was not me. I was severely burned out when I got to university and I felt like I had lost my voice. I had severe imposter syndrome and did not think I would get in if I did apply.
After some encouragement from my roommate, I took a look at the application process, which involved answering three essay questions. I started writing, and it felt good to write a non-academic essay for the first time in years, but I missed the application deadline because I lost track of time trying to create the perfect answer.
I consoled myself by saying I would not be able to handle the workload. Deep down, I was so disappointed in myself. I promised that I would apply for the next year.
My Future17 project
Getting in the following year made me so happy.. My team’s project involved building a website based on circular design. When I saw the topic, I did not know how it fit with the Sustainable Development Goals I said I was interested in, but I soon learned that I was limiting myself again and that the whole point of the SDG Challenge was growth and development, not perfection.
One of the most important things that the Future17 team taught us was to never underestimate our skillset or disregard any of the new skills we were learning as insignificant or unimportant.
For example, even something small like knowing how to use Excel is a skill that should be acknowledged. No skill is learned and then discarded. We should leverage any and everything we have learned so that we can go into the job market completely sure of what we are capable of and be able to add as much value as possible.
We had a fantastic mentor who guided us throughout the entire project. He made sure that we understood what was expected from us. We also had plenty of communication with our project partners who were also more than willing to clarify anything we had questions about and checked if we were confident that we could deliver what was expected of us.
It was refreshing to see how many people cared about developing in a way that is not just good for people but also for the environment.
We have a symbiotic relationship with our environment and should honour the unwritten agreement that we have to care for one another. This is something that is important to me personally and something that the SDG challenge allowed me to explore and contribute towards.
After the Future17 experience, I am now more confident in applying for opportunities even when I do feel like I do not belong in a particular space. The burnout and perfectionism that held me back during the application process are things that I have learned to navigate.
Imposter syndrome should never stop you from living your life. Fear of rejection and future uncertainty is scary and difficult to deal with, and it’s true that you might not get everything you apply for.
On the other hand, you might just get exactly what you applied for. The only difference between a yes and a no is you putting yourself out there. Don’t tell yourself no without giving yourself a chance. .
I’d like to thank the Future17 team for the wonderful opportunity and the Stellenbosch University team for their guidance and for giving me and many students the opportunity to upskill .
Thank you to our project partners for being willing to work with us. Thank you so much to my teammates for putting in the work and especially to our team leader for listening to and implementing everyone’s ideas within the website. Finally, thank you to my roommate for inspiring me to apply, to overcome many personal challenges and to live for me.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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'Never underestimate your skillset': My Future 17 experience
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Oct 29, 2025Save
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Layla Steyn is a student at Stellenbosch University and participated in the Future17 Sustainability Challenge, a multi-institutional experiential learning programme that combines career-focused skill development, SDG literacy and practical work experience through real-world projects for global companies, start-ups and charities.
When my roommate and I got the Future17 emails, only one of us applied and it was not me. I was severely burned out when I got to university and I felt like I had lost my voice. I had severe imposter syndrome and did not think I would get in if I did apply.
After some encouragement from my roommate, I took a look at the application process, which involved answering three essay questions. I started writing, and it felt good to write a non-academic essay for the first time in years, but I missed the application deadline because I lost track of time trying to create the perfect answer.
I consoled myself by saying I would not be able to handle the workload. Deep down, I was so disappointed in myself. I promised that I would apply for the next year.
My Future17 project
Getting in the following year made me so happy.. My team’s project involved building a website based on circular design. When I saw the topic, I did not know how it fit with the Sustainable Development Goals I said I was interested in, but I soon learned that I was limiting myself again and that the whole point of the SDG Challenge was growth and development, not perfection.
One of the most important things that the Future17 team taught us was to never underestimate our skillset or disregard any of the new skills we were learning as insignificant or unimportant.
For example, even something small like knowing how to use Excel is a skill that should be acknowledged. No skill is learned and then discarded. We should leverage any and everything we have learned so that we can go into the job market completely sure of what we are capable of and be able to add as much value as possible.
We had a fantastic mentor who guided us throughout the entire project. He made sure that we understood what was expected from us. We also had plenty of communication with our project partners who were also more than willing to clarify anything we had questions about and checked if we were confident that we could deliver what was expected of us.
It was refreshing to see how many people cared about developing in a way that is not just good for people but also for the environment.
We have a symbiotic relationship with our environment and should honour the unwritten agreement that we have to care for one another. This is something that is important to me personally and something that the SDG challenge allowed me to explore and contribute towards.
Testimonials
The impact of my Future17 experience
After the Future17 experience, I am now more confident in applying for opportunities even when I do feel like I do not belong in a particular space. The burnout and perfectionism that held me back during the application process are things that I have learned to navigate.
Imposter syndrome should never stop you from living your life. Fear of rejection and future uncertainty is scary and difficult to deal with, and it’s true that you might not get everything you apply for.
On the other hand, you might just get exactly what you applied for. The only difference between a yes and a no is you putting yourself out there. Don’t tell yourself no without giving yourself a chance. .
I’d like to thank the Future17 team for the wonderful opportunity and the Stellenbosch University team for their guidance and for giving me and many students the opportunity to upskill .
Thank you to our project partners for being willing to work with us. Thank you so much to my teammates for putting in the work and especially to our team leader for listening to and implementing everyone’s ideas within the website. Finally, thank you to my roommate for inspiring me to apply, to overcome many personal challenges and to live for me.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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