FEAR can have a paralyzing effect on our lives and dreams. I almost became a victim.
Is fear holding you back from pursuing your dreams? I want to encourage you to believe you can confront it.
In 2007 I almost quit pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) – even before I tried.
I FEARED it would be a DIFFICULT field for me. I did not want to fail.
Then my family ENCOURAGED me to BELIEVE in myself.
Ultimately, the CHOICE was mine.
I chose COURAGE and DETERMINATION over fear.
That decision changed my life to realize anything is possible. With HARD WORK and PERSEVERANCE, I spent late nights studying, long hours in the library, tears through coursework challenges, and extracurricular activities.
My decision to keep pushing paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
I was invited by the university president to speak at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon Celebration, received several awards—including the President’s Award—and was chosen to represent my senior class to SPEAK on graduation day.
Moved by these results, I reflected on my journey.
Just 5 years earlier, I was living as a refugee in The Gambia, wondering when I’d have a chance to pursue higher education.
A very challenging journey finally turned into a vital milestone where I could inspire my fellow graduates and “urge [them] to do well and become a true living example to others.”
So I encourage you to believe in yourself. Pursue your dreams with all you’ve got, even if it feels impossible to accomplish.
Anything is possible with faith and hard work.
Sometimes the ticket to our greatest blessing is our ability to face and deal with our fears.
As Nelson Mandela put it, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
You have greatness within you to rise above your challenges today.
I pray that you CONFRONT your fears and fulfill your God-given purpose.
