What stood out to me is how real Hardit was about the journey. He started small — answering questions, sharing on YouTube — and that consistency is what opened the door to being named a Rising Star, then later an MVP.

Couple of takeaways I grabbed:

• Rising Star isn’t about the perks, it’s about being consistent and helping others.
• The recognition gives you credibility, visibility, and a bigger platform — but it also comes with responsibility.
• If you’re aiming for it, focus on adding value in the community every day. Don’t chase the badge, chase the impact.

Hardit said it best:

“Being a Rising Star isn’t just about perks — it’s a responsibility. You’re seen as a thought leader, and that means mentoring, staying positive, and showing others the way.”

Definitely worth a listen if you’re thinking about applying in 2026 or just looking for motivation to keep going.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foTysbFOJYc