To My Daughter
The world is your playground.
To my daughter, Abigail, as I reflect on what I want for you, I cant help but think about my journey thus far. My parents – your grandparents - came to the United States for school. While in school, they also worked multiple jobs to make ends meet financially for their family. Your grandfather worked three jobs – one doing janitorial work - while going to seminary to become a Pastor. Your grandmother worked two jobs – one at a fast food restaurant where she was once robbed at gun point while going to school to get her MBA.
They did all of this for their family – to give us, their children, a better life and access to opportunities. For this, I will always be grateful. My hope for you is that you will be better then me in all ways possible.
I want you to know that you have generations of family that have worked hard so that you can have a better life. Because of this, I want you to always give back. Give of your time and resources. Give to your community. Give to those that are less fortunate. Give to those coming after you. It’s not what you have that people will remember, its what you do with what you have that will drive impact. Live a life that will leave a positive legacy.
I want you to know that you were created on purpose, for purpose.
I want you to always work and do things with excellence
I want you to always raise your hand because you have so much inside of you that the world needs to see and hear.
I want you to be curious, take risks and always remember that the worst that anyone can ever say to you is “no”
And when you do get that “no”, know that one closed door means that there will be an open one later on. It may not make sense, just trust God and the process.
I want you to know that the world is your playground. There is brilliance and opportunity found everywhere. Explore, learn, grow and make this world a better place.
Love you to the moon and back.
Xoxo.
Leaders and Daughters is a social campaign by Egon Zehnder. More information on the campaign can be found here: https://leadersanddaughters.com/