What Philanthropy and Social Service Have Inspired in Me, 5/27 and Counting!
5\27 is the actual life formula that represents my endless journey in social service. I started my mission when I was five years old, now 27, and my mission is still aflame.
It all started when I used to support my community with my photography skills. I used to take photos of people who couldn't afford to hire a photographer or get photos professionally done, I had the privilege to support them through my talent. Thanks to my parents, who signed me up for media classes where I felt I needed to give back to my community by offering this service. This is how my journey started!
Today, I would tell the next generation of leaders who are looking to make a change in the philanthropy field run, jk! ( That’s my dark Virgo Humor for everyone who knows; lol) But honestly, wow, it’s been a journey; every time people say at Five years old, “ Makeba, really,” what did you know at five years old and I’m like yup, At the time, my best friend used to come over to her surprise and also had the opportunity to sell outside with my parent's various African Artwork within the community and from there, I had the chance to learn my first skill, which so many people struggle with.
As I reflect on my journey in the field, I learned about the following things I would love to share with people or the next generation in the philanthropy space:
Communication
I learned at Five years old that people were so motivated to support my product because of my energy, I was confident, and I would kindly say, oh, something is $100, without hesitation, lol. However, to my surprise, they still supported me, and I never forgot these skills. Furthermore, I realized people just wanted to talk with me and learn more, so I understood listening was a huge thing to be successful and get the support I wanted.
Being Persistent
I see many people always mix this concept up with always following up, which I think is true, but always having the ability to be persistent with yourself when things don’t go according to plan. Questions to ask yourself: 1. Do you still have the same motivation you once had? 2. Are you still committed to the task at hand? 3. If you don’t receive or get the desired result, are you still fired up to try harder?
Be Patient
Things don’t happen overnight; it might take over ten years for you to finally understand a business concept or get something right, but that’s okay.
Being Flexible
There’s no other way to say this concept; you have to have the ability to understand that things will happen and most likely won’t go your way, and that’s okay, but what matters the most is how you handle that.
Health Matters
It’s incredible to rule the world, but none of that matters if you don’t take care of yourself, first and foremost.
Have Fun
Unfortunately, there’s no time machine, so with that being said, you have to understand and remember that you can’t get it back, so I’m even guilty of this myself; enjoy every win, loss, and everything else in between.
