You Don't Have to be a C-Suite Executive to Lift as you Climb!

“I got the externship, internship, job, scholarship…etc…. Thank you Ogo for sharing this opportunity with me.”

It truly gets me going to live up to the core values of NABA. I get an indescribable joy from receiving messages like the one I got today.

I do not help others for a thank you and all that yada yada. I mean hey, evidence of gratitude is reassuring every now and again and helps me tailor my approach for future interactions… but I help where I can for two main reasons:

1. I want to be the person for others, that I have been fortunate enough to have myself. Are you getting me? I want to be thAt person a peer, friend, family etc. can rely on when they need motivation, encouragement and support, because I realize how blessed I am to have those each and everyone one of those type of people in my life TODAY. Therefore, I must, I must, I must pay it forward.

2. I admire the Domino affect (whatever it is called), and I want to inspire others so they can turn around and inspire others, and then those people will turn around to inspire more.. and it goes on. Success can be at everyone’s fingertips and sometimes it just takes a little motivation from God knows where to be illuminated with determination and confidence. Like I was once told: “you never know who is listening, and how they can have an impact on you.. or how you can have an impact on them”

Why I am Sharing This:

My purpose of sharing my reflection of my day today is to remind people, STUDENTS most especially, to understand that you do NOT have to be 5yrs+ into your career, at the top of the food chain, or in your prime to then begin “lifting others as you climb.” Stop putting that one email for a recruiting opportunity from XYZ company in your trash or archive folder because you already have your internship offer for the summer. Consider those who are still in the recruiting process, those who want to get where you were blessed to be at, and do what you can to help. Forward your classmates, friends, and peers those emails you feel YOU don’t need. Someone else might use it. Don't ignore GroupMe chats... put those large networks into use. Invite your friends to apply to the same programs you are applying to… the competitiveness of applicant pools are tough... but there is plenty room for many of us to live our best lives.

Bottom line: Don’t be an opportunity hog. Sharing is caring in more ways than one. You never know how you might literally change someone's life one day from the smallest of thoughtful gestures.

*Disclaimer: I am not a perfect writer, I just pour my personal feelings, emotion and passion into my posts.*