Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Message to the Doubting Heart
In the quiet moments of doubt and uncertainty, when the world's weight feels too heavy to bear, I question everything. Who am I to lead Teach For Senegal? Who am I to dare to dream such audacious dreams? These thoughts drown me in self-doubt.
Yet, amid the storm, a gentle whisper reaches through the chaos, reminding me of the shoulders upon which I stand. I am not alone in this journey. I am the culmination of generations of resilience, strength, and determination.
I am a little girl from a rural village in northern Senegal whose ancestors carved a path of possibility through the dense forests of uncertainty. I am the embodiment of their hopes, their dreams, and their unwavering belief in a brighter future.
As the first female in my family to go to college, I am my mother, Coumba Sy; my father, Oumar Gueye; my grandmothers, Aisha Gueye and Raby Ndiaye, and my great-grandmothers' wildest dreams come to fruition. Their sacrifices, struggles, and unwavering faith have brought me to this moment.
I am not just a product of their love and sacrifice but an answer to their prayers. They fought tirelessly so that I could have opportunities they never dared to dream of. They planted seeds of possibility in the fertile soil of my soul, nurturing them with love and hope until they blossomed into reality.
In moments of doubt, I draw strength from their legacy, knowing that I carry their hopes and dreams within me. I can rise to the challenges before me, for I am the culmination of generations of resilience, determination, and unyielding faith.
So, to anyone questioning their worth, abilities, or place in the world, I offer this reminder: You are not alone. You are the hopes, dreams, and prayers of those who came before you. You stand on the shoulders of giants, and with each step you take, you honor their legacy and pave the way for future generations.
Remember that your ancestors prayed for you. You are here for a reason and more capable than you could have imagined. Let their faith be your guiding light, and let their love be the anchor that steadies your soul in moments of doubt.
