My Adventure

Growing Up

At work, we’ve been focusing on “what I want to be when I grow up.” This gets the kids thinking about the future and staying in school. Yesterday, we brought in an artist named Akirash. He is from Nigeria. The town he grew up in is similar to Jamestown, very poor. This commonality enabled Akirash to connect with the kids on a very deep level.

So many amazing things happened throughout the day. One thing that stands out though, was when Akirash pointed to the pile of trash that had been swept to the corner of the room. He wanted to know who was responsible for taking care of the trash. All the girls raised their hands. Akirash, speaking to the boys, asked how they would be responsible enough to be pilots, doctors, lawyers, and policemen, if they are not even responsible enough to pick up after themselves? He told them that if they want to become their dream, they had to work hard at everything they do.

It was amazing to see all the boys raise their hand with enthusiasm when Akirash asked who wanted to take out the trash.

I think this is what the beginning of change looks like.

I hope that Akirash sparked the beginning of something big. I hope that all of the students know that they can have a better life if they work hard to make one for themselves.

Then, Akirash gave each child paper to make a ship out of. He collected the ships when the children were done. He told them that he was going to use their works of art to create a bigger work of art. The kids understood what Akirash was really saying: each child has the ability to become something more. Even if they are small and frail like the ships they made, they have the power and strength to grow into something they can be proud of.