When Kodie first heard about Columba 1400 Young People’s Leadership Academy in 2021, she had no intention of taking part. Grieving the recent loss of her grandmother – who had been her main caregiver – she felt withdrawn and disconnected, with little interest in school or extracurricular opportunities.

“I had absolutely no interest in going,” she recalls. “But my headteacher saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself.”

He gently persisted, encouraging Kodie to fill in the application “just in case.” He even shared postcards from his own experience at Columba 1400’s Head Teachers’ Leadership Academy (HTLA) – something he’d never done before. The messages struck a chord, and for the first time, Kodie felt she might belong somewhere.

“I asked him, ‘Why me?’ And he told me he saw a natural leader in me – someone who just needed the right space to believe in herself. That space was Columba 1400.”

A Transformational Experience

Attending Columba 1400 became a turning point in Kodie’s life. Through workshops, reflection, and shared experience, she reconnected with her values and began to rebuild a sense of identity and purpose.

“Columba 1400 has been a pivotal force in shaping the woman I am today. It helped me define my values, understand my purpose, and gave me the tools to live by them every day.”

She learned that leadership is not about control, but about compassion, authenticity, and inspiring others through service and example. She discovered strength in vulnerability, confidence in her voice, and clarity about what really matters.

Becoming a Leader in Her Community

After returning home, Kodie saw the world – and her role in it – differently. She became a driving force for change in her school and community:

  • She launched a Period Dignity Club, successfully campaigning to provide free products in school toilets.
  • She represented her school at a climate change conference and took a leading role in welcoming Glasgow’s Lord Provost for the Sister Cities Award.
  • The Lord Provost was so impressed by Kodie’s leadership that she invited her to shadow her once a month, attending civic events and exploring the unseen sides of Glasgow.
  • She was nominated and won a Glasgow Community Champion Award, sharing her story with large audiences and even appearing in the press and on television.
  • She also appeared on Ben Fogle’s BBC TV series Scotland’s Sacred Isles, sharing to camera the impact Columba 1400 had on her.

“A girl at 17 getting to even speak to the Lord Provost was amazing – never mind shadowing her. And all of this started because of Columba 1400.”

Continuing the Journey

Now, Kodie is using her experience to support others. She recently joined the Columba 1400 Board as a Young Person Consultant, helping to shape future academies for other young people. Despite personal challenges – including the recent loss of her grandfather – she continues to draw strength from her Columba 1400 journey.

“Whenever I go through something personal, Columba 1400 is there. It brings me back to my values and reminds me who I am.”

Looking Ahead

Kodie is proof that when young people are seen, heard, and supported, incredible things happen. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and growth – grounded in values and fuelled by belief.

“Columba 1400 didn’t just change my life. It helped me become the person I was always meant to be.”