Following stars

By: Tianah Ogilvie, Illiza Karangwa, Oluwaseun Ajiboye, and Sharon Kambale

            A star sees a million things; it has seen what humanity once was and what we individuals will grow to be. As years and generations pass us, stars and what influence our daily lives: when we wake, when we sleep, the growth of the food we consume, and much more. The influence stars have on us is nothing less than incredible...

This isn’t about stars, it’s about our personal influencers.

Throughout life one’s behavior, morals, and goals are tremendously influenced by numerous individuals. Through healthy relationships individuals can obtain value within their lives and appreciate several astonishing experiences. In addition to acquiring healthy relationships, I have also encountered damaging relationships that have equally affected my behavior, morals and goals and have helped me to better understand the tragedy and beauty within life...

This isn’t about me; this is about our mentors.

Iliiza Karangwa

For Illiza, significant influences within her life are her mother and grandmother. She shares that as refugees these figures made major strides alone to reach which she considers as success. Throughout her life her mother taught her independence and how to carry oneself despite unfortunate circumstances.

She learned how to build a reputation of integrity from both and though their influence is strong, their graceful guidance still allows her to make informed choices on what she believes and how to build her own character.

Illiza believes it is important to see what is possible in life from someone who looks like you and has a similar background.

She further specifies that influence should not be confused for idolization because no one is perfect, and people should be seen for both their strength and flaws to enable them to give grace to themselves when comparing. It is important for minorities especially people of color, women, people with disabilities, because it instills hope and faith during the tough journey of self-development. A necessity mainly because the lived experience by minorities requires a different mindset and strengths to push through the various barrier society has set.

Oluwaseun Ajiboye

Our AMI leader, Olu, believes major influencers in her life are her parents because they think alike, and their principles are now hers since she can see every aspect of their lives and the application of their principles, making it easier for her to also incorporate this into her own life.

Olu acknowledges it is important for people to have someone to look up to. She believes it helps due to the sense of direction it gives and aids people throughout difficult times, thus making it also important to make sure that you have a realistic person as your mentor and role model. In addition, she thinks having a mentor and role model affects one’s development and their outlook towards life. However, their mentors' views will likely be the way they’ll perceive the world.

They are not called influencers for no reason!

It is necessary at times to have someone with experience to go to for advice concerning certain things, but it's also good to reason things out for ourselves and not blindly follow.

Sharon Kambale

AMI’s founder, Sharon, shares that a significant influencer for her has been Oprah Winfrey because she possesses an innate character, which Sharon aspires to have. Sharon further expresses that Oprah Winfrey has impacted her life, morals and values by being able to Observe the process of how she got to her success and how she overcame challenges in means of attaining her purpose.

Why does Sharon believe it's important for individuals to have influencers?

Well...

Recognizing that goal achievement is possible no matter the barriers that one may face! Whether by their visible differences or their own limiting beliefs of what they may think to be okay.

Sharon further believes that setting an example of how to achieve the goals that we set forward both individually as well as collectively, is important for one’s development and success... 

Like stars, those whom we look up to have seen and perceived the world in various ways. Mentors and role models influence our beliefs, morals, and behavior, ultimately guiding us towards success. As minorities, who face several inequalities, those who we look up to can make or break our lives completely.

So, when choosing a ‘star’ it is important you acknowledge the brightest one!