'Lean into the unknown': My Future17 experience

By Holly Hemmings Updated Jul 28, 2026

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Introduction
The SDG Challenge Project
The Future17 Experience

Future17 participant from Stellenboch University

Mbali Thando Ngobese, a Health Systems student at Stellenboch University, undertook the Future17 SDG Challenge as a way of learning about sustainability and expanding her skillset. Her project, researching sustainable solutions and helping to design a living laboratory at Cornwall Airport Newquay, took her out of her comfort zone but provided an invaluable opportunity for personal growth, career expansion and the ability to be a part of something meaningful.

When I first joined the Future17 SDG Challenge, I was terrified. Here I was, a health systems researcher, suddenly immersed in Aerospace, working with Cornwall Airport Newquay to transform it into a “living laboratory” for sustainable aviation and community benefit. My usual world of hospitals, clinics, and public health suddenly collided with hangars, renewable energy strategies, and circular economy models. I was paranoid - would I contribute? Would I let my team down? The first days were a slight challenge, figuring out my role, learning the language of the industry, and navigating a steep learning curve – but once our team found its rhythm, everything clicked. And wow, what a journey it became!

The SDG Challenge Project

Our project aimed to co-design solutions that would reduce carbon emissions, attract sustainable businesses, create green jobs, and enhance community wellbeing. My role involved research, translating complex ideas into actionable strategies, and helping our team turn concepts into tangible deliverables. The collaboration, mentorship, and programme guidance empowered me to push past self-doubt and embrace every challenge as an opportunity.

Of course, there were hurdles. Coordinating meetings, managing time zones, and keeping everyone engaged tested our patience but these challenges taught me resilience, flexibility, and creative problem-solving. The moment I’ll never forget was presenting our final project to the airport partner…from my hospital bed. Yes—camera on, hospital gown and all. I refused to let my team down, and I poured every ounce of heart into showing what we had accomplished together. Seeing the project, the prototypes, and our toolkit come alive in that moment was pure magic. It wasn’t just a presentation—it was proof that determination, collaboration, and courage can overcome any obstacle.

Testimonials

"I formed such great bonds with my teammates and our mentor, it was an absolute pleasure collaborating with such remarkable individuals"

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Caryn CallistaChinese University of Hong Kong student, Future17 participant

“It’s exciting to work alongside experts in the field, where I get to learn and contribute to technologies that could help reshape the future.”

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Tanika DuivenvoordenUniversity of Queensland student, Future17 participant

"Canada offers a high quality of life and student experience, known for its peace, safety, and stunning natural beauty, especially in Vancouver"

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Nidhi Mohan KamalMBA student, UBC Sauder School of Business

"CUHK’s MBA programme provided me with the stepping stone into a larger sports Asian market wherein I could leverage the large alumni network to make the right connections for relevant discussions and learning."

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Abhinav Singh BhalChinese University of Hong Kong graduate

The Future17 Experience

Future17 challenged me in ways I never expected. I stretched beyond my comfort zone, learned to communicate across disciplines, and strengthened skills I already had – research, analysis, project management – while gaining new ones: confidence in presenting to high-level stakeholders, courage to embrace discomfort, and the joy of seeing a team’s effort transform into real-world impact.

The biggest lesson? Trust yourself. Trust your team. Lean into the unknown. Challenges are opportunities in disguise, and innovation thrives where curiosity meets courage. Even when life puts you in a hospital bed, you can show up and rise to it if you bring your full heart.

This experience shaped how I see my future. My roots are in health systems, but I now see how interdisciplinary collaboration can create tangible impact. Future17 wasn’t just a challenge, it was a reminder that extraordinary things happen when you refuse to back down, pour your soul into your team, and face every challenge with determination and heart. I loved every second.

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