Today, I lift up the ones I have been privileged to positively impact.
The ability to either positively or negatively impact another person is what I consider as influence.
Permit me to share a part of my story still being written with you.
After the lockdown was lifted, I threw myself into being more intentional about everything I did.
An opportunity presented itself at an event organized by my Alma mater (High School) Alumni. It comprised of free health talk sessions for the students and free medical testing for the teachers.
A photo of me addressing the students.
During the health talk sessions, the students complained about not having a Guidance and Counselling Officer, facing some challenges, and having no one to talk to. At that moment, I went back to the school’s administrator and volunteered to fill in the role of a Guidance and Counselling Officer without pay.
Within this time, I have experienced a lot of impactful encounters with a number of students but for the purpose of this post, I will highlight one of the most remarkable ones.
Did I hear you ask who was it?
He was a student that suffered from Stage Fright.
During our first session, he explained that he was really struggling with performing or presenting before a crowd. This has consequently affected his confidence, self-esteem, and he has missed out on so many opportunities to showcase his talent.
... He felt he was not good enough and as outstanding as his peers, in his words...
Students making a presentation during the social week.
Apparently, this young boy was an exceptional singer. The first time I heard him sing, I was like “how can someone so young, have a voice so powerful – I was mesmerized”
I put more time into counseling him and training him through practical steps on conquering stage fright.
Fortunately, the school’s social week was coming up in a few weeks’ time, he looked forward to performing during the event, and this was the perfect opportunity to apply all he had learned in counseling.
Did he really accept it, you ask?
It was clear from all indications, that he accepted all I had taught him in counseling as this showed on the day of the performance.
Can I tell you about the outcome?
On the day of the performance, he blew the crowd away. His performance was followed with a standing ovation, rounds of applause, and happy cheers from the students and teachers. The whole school realized that a hidden star was in their midst.
My boy doing his thing!
This is by far one of my proudest moments ever.
He practiced everything I taught him during counseling and the outcome was totally exhilarating for the whole school, him, and me.
I commend this young boy for realizing that he needs help in a particular area, seeking the help needed, accepting to be helped, and putting in the right amount of effort to improve himself through the help given.
So far, I have been privileged and humbled to speak with kids from all backgrounds, listening to their experiences and challenges, while proffering practical solutions to aid them to navigate life as young individuals.
Carrying out public speaking...
A cross section of the students during the social week.
This by far has to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life because there is no greater joy and reward than helping or positively influencing someone who cannot return the same help.
This is my droplet into the ocean of people's lives.
Thank you @galenkp for this amazing opportunity to share this beautiful moment of my life.
Till I come your way again…
Happy Sunday and Bye for now!