The gratitude that I cannot express

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride. I have yet again been actively  involved in my own circle and mission to recognise my gift and practise it .I  organised  events created to give recognition to hardworking students, saying goodbye to our matric class of 2014 , hosting the Ceo of the Empowervate Trust, Amanda Blankfield -Koseff  at our school where we recieved our prizes from UTi SA, Deutche Bank    to the value of R10000 for being The 2014 National YCAP champions and  further created awareness about rape on the eve of ,the 16 days of activism against women and child abuse .All these  events reinstored great confidence in my learners. The vision was that of mine and I was really happy to see that it was appreciated . Seeing the gratitude in the eyes of these learnes had yet reassured me that my purpose in life is greater then all.

After I pull of such ,I get home totally exhausted.Make a call to my  best friend  who congratulates me ,social networks start  trending about my work, flattery being the order of each thought. All seeming really fullfiling. As I am in bed,another idea pops up and yes,it is in the midst of the early morning that I wake up,get my notebook  and start drafting ideas and the logistics for the next day. The element of doubt usually creeps in as I lay my heavy loaded head,but with good energy from people I always know all will work out. I leave  home,my mom ensuring my outfit is sorted and well ironed. Not saying a word,as she never does. I had always wondered if she is really proud of who I am. Or does she question her capacity as  a mother because I am gay. Well I don’t pay much attention to such as she continues to be there for me.

She has always been there for me ,all the way. I remember doing good and her just questioning me about who was there and what whoever said,but never fully auding” I am proud of you my son.” Would I accept that it is in the African culture that our parents do not praise us in person.

As I am sitting here,I am thinking about  this women who gave birth to me,and the pioneer that she is in her old field . I  remember how she often looks at me with a face of worry,coated with excitement everytime I leave, more like she echoes to herself” My son is out to go do great things”. I see this women she blesses me with a cup of tea after a long day as if its her job to do so,clearly silently showing support. I see this women backing me up financialy in all my endeavours , regardless if these ideas cultivate any purpose or profit. Her support cuts so deep it numbs me at times.

Is it the duty of a mother to be so consistent ,yet so silently? Remotely expressing pride.  Is it the duty of a mother to show so much love in a way not understood by the ignorant but grasped by the heart.?

I am good at many things ,but there is one that I  lack: The gratitude that I cannot express. I don’t know if a thank you is enough. A bigger house is enough or a simple,” I love you mom would  move her.

I guess I am coming up with the notion that I have to continue being the best that I can possibly be and  that is  the hope any parent has for their child.

This is dedicated to one phenomenal women,

Joyce Kgatlhane. Thanks mom.

How education changed my life

 

How Education changed my Life.

EDUCATION has allowed me to spread my wings wider than I can ever imagine. I now  believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Education has given me the freedom to speak and be heard; to be seen as something more than just a pretty face but be seen as someone whose opinion actually matters.

My education has empowered me to challenge men and women likewise, young and old, black and white, and to be called their equal.

My education has allowed me to hold esteemed positions without being classed as someone who ‘slept’ her way to the top.

Education has made me a worthy opponent and partner, it has allowed me to be the unequivocally independent woman I am today.

Through it, I have learnt when to speak and when to listen; when to lead, and when to follow, most importantly, I’ve learnt to fight for the things that I believe in.

Through my education, I have the freedom to choose whether to be a stay at home super mom and wife, or to be a force to be reckoned with professionally or both.

My education has taught me to respect those who chose not to follow the same path I have without being judgemental.  It has taught me compassion and humility.

My education has also and most importantly ignited in me the desire to guide the younger generation to make the right decisions in life in a world where some are forced to prostitute themselves to put food on the table; where (some) men still see women as gold diggers who are only good enough to be trophies, barefoot and pregnant without any say, where a man’s provision as head of the house for your well-being comes with abuse and control, where parents want nothing but the best for their children and the impediment called apartheid can no longer be used as an excuse.

Education has allowed me to be of sound mind, to have a powerful voice, to not feel inferior, to not be forced to do things I do not want to do, and to dream without limits.

I once was a girl who had to get lunch from her grade one teacher because there wasn’t enough money or food for me to carry lunch to school.

I then became a child who had to see her friends go off to boarding school because my mom couldn’t afford the expense, then I became the girl who survived on R300 a month at varsity who had to learn how to make ends meet.

Years later, I’m sitting with 2 degrees, the most recent being a Law degree (LLB), and a contract with one of the top law firms in the country.  I cannot even begin to explain the freedom that comes with that.

Education, has absolutely changed my life, for the better. I am not and will not be defined by my circumstances.

Written by Mmaphuti Morolong

#GirlRising #BeboldforGirls

How education changed my life.

I first realized the importance of education when I went abroad for the first time. The fact that I was surrounded by so many things and people that I was oblivious to,was just mind boggling for me. South Africa has one of the weakest standards of education in the world yet we continue to ponder on the fact that we want more of this and that, Furthermore we fail to see that with the very many educational opportunities we are given, its a chance to break free of the cycle of poverty. I could have easily been part of a statistic. Going to high school with lower than average marks, getting pregnant in my teenage years and dropping out of school. I chose to take the road less traveled and I could not be more thankful to my mentors and parents for believing in me and helping me see what was unclear to me before.I cannot begin to express the pain and disappointment I feel when students who possess such potential succumb to mediocrity or conforming to what others say. Especially one who comes from financial difficulties or a disadvantaged background. One cannot use their circumstances as an excuse or a crutch. Nothing is impossible, opportunities surround us everyday and it is up to us to grab them.

Had I not been exposed to the many academics that I have had the privilege to be around or the opportunities such as traveling, leading and just being exposed not to mention the disappointments and challenges ,I would not be half the person I am today. Education is not restricted to the classroom, teaching and learning comes in all shapes and forms, just

open your eyes to it.

As a young girl from Kuruman who has been to parts of the world I never would have thought I would ever go to, I can now say I am open minded and most importantly to me, I think, not only that I think critically . I do IT not only for myself, but those who follow me so that they too can pass the baton.

Look at it this way, even if you have nothing. If education is the only thing you have, no one can take it away from you because it is within you. -Peo Morwesi Segano #GirlRising

I congratulate you

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you” – BB King (American musician) 

Matric class of 2014, let me first congratulate you on  making it to where you are. As you are about to write your final examinations, you are taking the first step towards defining the rest of your lives in a positive and constructive fashion. Let us take a moment to acknowledge all those who have helped you in your journey of becoming educated; dynamic; and valuable members of society. Remember the teachers who provided you with leadership as you absorbed knowledge under their tutelage. Remember the sacrifices of your parents, who love you so much that they worked hard today for your tomorrow. Remember also those in your community without the education you have just received, and with these tools given to you, remember to become a force of change in helping them.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela (former president of South Africa) 

Matrics, as you prepare to write what may be the most important assessment of your academic abilities, remember also your fellow learners  who are not as fortunate as you to sit down for their final exams.Since their basic right to education which is enshrined in section 29, chapter 2 of our constitution has been infringed upon resulting in them not being afforded the opportunity to write alongside you.  Although some members of society, who are responsible for this inexcusable and vulgar act of selfishness, do not understand the importance of your education; remember that most taxpaying, God-fearing members of this society have given you their vote of confidence and support- for you to reach the full heights of your potential.

“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” – Thomas Edison (American Inventor) 

Hard work is the secret to success, any wise man will tell you that. It is good to feel scared, if you did not have that fear it will mean you have not fully grasped what is at stake. If you look around your communities; your homes; or towards your neighbours next door, and if you see broken dreams and unhappy stories then you will have no choice but to be scared. The fear of failure must drive you! Most (if not all) of those unemployed and without tertiary education simply did not work hard enough for their dreams. Hard work and believing in yourself is the only way you can achieve all that you have been dreaming of when alone with your thoughts.

“He who opens a school door, closes a prison” – Victor Hugo (French poet and writer) 

Opportunities are for everyone and everyone deserves a chance to take their opportunities. You are the only one who can change the circumstances you are in, do not wait for hand outs; do not wait for someone else to bring that change. You will be alone with your thoughts and God as you write those exams, your friends; your teachers; your parents; and your community have done all they can to get you to where you are. It is now up to you to define your future, it is now up to you to make your dreams become  a reality.

Dream big, believe in yourself, and work harder than you ever have before!

Edited by: Neto Maape

Farewell Anti-Climax

Thuto Maphala and Tshego Baitsiwe

 For some of you, hearing the voices of your parents echoing on how expensive everything was and being told how your dress or suit will just collect dust after the matric dance,

As irritating as the post event might be, it’s sadly one truth that hits you.

Investing so much money and great planning hoping you look the best, knowing you did until the day you realised your dress only accumulated 40 likes on facebook and Thuto’s grossed more then 100 likes.

I guess you all thought you looked amazing, you did but someone else made it clear that they looked slightly better.

I am sitting here imagining the ache of a matriculant, who looked so stunning and at the same time it scares me to think that the preparatory exam results were nothing to write home about.

Imagine failing your matric when your parents had looked at you the night of your farewell, their hearts filled with pride and joy.

When reality hits them that you were masking the unknown, an epic fail.

One reality that seems inevitable however one should always keep room for disappointment.

Let this one day of beauty be a day that gives birth to a hardworking soul, after this day comes, spring school, matric exams and your first year of varsity!

My wish is that all the stress, emotions and time invested into the farewell be put into that of the exams.

Photo credit:Kharla Rose Williams

Shine as pretty the day you look for your name in the newspaper, and let that day too, make you feel like a winner.

Yes, you were a star the night of your ball.

Be that too in your final exams and in your first year of varsity.

For all those who believe they want to go straight into the workplace next year, my cousin is doing his third year at home with a matric certificate, and no uncle at the mines or municipality. Good luck!

Being Me

I have the gift to crop myself in all pictures that have happy endings.

I have met amazing people throughout my life and I can’t look past the influence and the smiles they bring into my life daily in the midst of working towards my achievements, of which is just to change the world.

This quest has taken so much from me, but it has been most fulfilling.

I am really blessed and cannot deny it, I find solace in my own space, or is it mostly my time to reflect on myself and my life; figuring out if a smile will last forever or when these perfect moments will last forever, whether its fun with friends, phone calls with my friends,honeymoon phase with a new partner.

Such moments epitomize the cliched phrase ” life is good”.

I sit all by myself asking, myself is it really?

I have had to say goodbye to so many friends and let go of so many potential partners all in the name of understanding why they have to leave or why we can’t be…

There are no answers to why good things don’t last forever.

I cant blame life for everything right? How would love be interesting if it was monotonous?

If everyday was a good day and things didn’t ever go wrong?

Where would growth come from? Afterall they do say growth is the offspring of changes.

Ok life…I understand!!

I grant God all the gratitude for all of my blessings, I have realised at a young age to allow my work its fighting chance, to allow my career to be the one that claims my energy, my talents and my force to work hard!!

I have met it half way and it closed the equation by blessing me with great accolades.

I am a brand now…

Well…I have passed!! I am best friends of many, have a great relationship with mother… My brothers love my crazy dramatic attitude, even if its embraced in silence.

I can afford many other material things people sell their souls for.Reading this, you’re probably thinking..Damn this guy has it all going for him…That’s the source of my happiness right there.

My smile is momentary!
That smile is a gratitude smile!!
I am an amazing person!! I have the soul of a tiger that cares for its calves.

I have the spirit of a bestfriend that hugs like he has your back.

I am honest and loyal! I can go on with all my qualities!!

Yes I am insecure, who isn’t? But not about myself I am insecure about love.

Truth is I feel so poor because even the poorest of the poor have what I long for most!!

Love,not the coco love from friends and family!

Love from this one particular person who would open the door at night to just to check if I am okay?

The one person who would patiently listen to me talking about myself because I love myself that much and he loves me for loving me first.

The one who loves me so much that I too see God in him and understands why I want to change the world.

I want that man, and nope I don’t have him and I think it’s about time I give love a fighting chance!

Is it wrong for me to want it all? The glitz, glam and Love…this is my stranger…the friend that never visits or that probably does… But then when I have gathered that good things don’t last forever…when I have gathered that you get only so much based on how much you are willing to give… so much philosophy!!

I, at times get annoyed at what I want because it seems to be miles away, but I am reminded that being me has made me realise that I can get what ever I want.