I thought there wouldn’t be much on my bucket list for 2025, but everything has turned into something magical that fills my mapper’s heart with joy. So much has been happening in our country lately—exhausting and heartbreaking events that test our strength as individuals and as a community. If only mappers could instantly make all our hopes happen, we would have done it already.

SOTM 2025 made me realize so many things: the effort every mapper puts in, the love they pour into their work, and the dedication to translating languages to make maps easier for everyone to understand. It reminded me that even small contributions can create big ripples. SOTM 2025 highlights the importance of mapping in so many areas: for disaster response, for raising awareness, for promoting inclusivity—by marking safe spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community, mapping pet-friendly areas, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Mapping is no longer just about roads and buildings;

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Shape my future with OSM Mapping and Youthmappers: Post Graduation Blog

A few months after my graduation, I find myself questioning how prepared I am to face the real world. Will the knowledge I acquired in school, particularly regarding organizational management, truly benefit me? Or could OSM mapping play a pivotal role in shaping my career path?

But how exactly do OSM mapping and YouthMappers influence career decisions?

Through mapping activities, I've gained critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills—qualities highly sought after in today's job market. Little did I anticipate that within these communities, I would uncover aspects of myself previously concealed. Leadership, once abstract, found a nurturing environment within the supportive ecosystem of YouthMappers. It was here that I discovered my capacity to lead, inspire, and effect change.

YouthMappers became my haven for personal development more than merely a platform. With every mapping project, my confidence increased. Although it was scary at first, public speaking became a skill I developed whenever I got the chance. Our community's response to our influence extended well beyond the boundaries of our maps, creating a lasting impression on people's emotions.

These days, certificates appear on my résumé as credentials as well as proof of my experience. They talk about the hours spent creating, learning, and working together. With the support of mentors and the friendship of other mappers, I learned things that went beyond what was found in textbooks.

Today, I stand not just as a graduate, but as a leader forged in the crucible of YouthMappers. I have the privilege to educate others on utilizing OSM mapping for change. Once reticent, my voice now brims with the fervor of someone who has experienced the potency of unity in action.

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Hey there, fellow changemakers! Today, we're diving into an incredible story of young minds driving change in their community. It's all about the Southern Leyte State U (SLSU) Youthmappers and their journey into the world of community mapping. Grab a seat, and let's get inspired!

A Spark of Transformation

A group of students at SLSU, fueled by a burning desire to make a difference, decided to roll up their sleeves and take action. They had a secret weapon – geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping skills. These students saw that they could use these skills to bring about real change in their community. They knew technology was a game-changer, and they are ready to harness its power. With the use of their laptops and with the power of OpenStreetMap, they set a whole lot of enthusiasm to map their community.

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