It was a bright spring morning in the city that has earned the name Hotlanta.I sauntered out of my Doraville apartment to downtown Atlanta to join the throng of faithfuls awaiting the arrival the American Idol.The soaring popularity of Democratic front runner for the US presidential election of 2008 Barack Obama and his larger-than-life-profile is what led a New York Times reviewer of his book The Audacity of Hope to give him the title awarded to the winner of Americans popular TV program American Idol.Obama, an African American whose father is Kenyan and the mother a white American, has gripped the attention of the whole nation as he rose to prominence in the race for the democratic nomination virtually outclassing hitherto uncontested favorite Hillary Clinton.Obama was to appear at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) this Saturday morning, April 14, for a rally and I was not to be left behind in the mad rush to see this newly minted American celebrity-cum-political-genius.By the time I arrived at Georgia Tech there was already a huge crowd bustling and rocking to the rhythm of music pouring out from the flutes and drums of the Clark Atlanta Marching Band.It was a long wait before the MC for the day appeared announcing Obama's arrival but she wanted us to shout out loud showing our excitement before she would invite her guest on to the stage.The MC left the stage treating us to some more music but this time, the sounds of Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed Delivered" played over the giant speakers.Then came the Reverend Dr.Joseph Larry, a civil rights activist, who was to lead us into prayers saying that Obama "seeks spiritual guidance as he wages this campaign to seek executive leadership of this nation." That is when I picked a pen and started noting down what lessons of personal achievement could be learnt from Obama's speech.My first thought is that prayer is important in the pursuit of success.So always seek guidance when setting your goals and when going out to get them.In the words of the late Dr.Norman Vincent Peale "Prayer Releases Power"!A daughter of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson then led the gathering into singing the US national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.Then came the event that everyone was waiting for.Obama took the stage charging the whole park with pulsating enthusiasm."Thank you, than you so much", he chanted, saying that it was so wonderful to have such a mammoth crowd gather to listen to him; "There is something stirring in this country"! He started by saying that the country was yearning for change.As I refocused my mind on the significance of his message to success for the individual, I noted another quote that "we do not believe that we can make a change." There lies the problem, I said to myself.Most people are not satisfied with their current condition but at the same time they do not believe that they can make a change.As Obama continued with his eloquent oratory he emphasized the need for people to keep HOPE alive.Yes, HOPE is the eternal elixir that will keep you moving in the face of any odds.He said to an uproar of applause that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things.".And then my mind floated to the thought of a gentleman who was born in a city called HOPE in Arkansas.He was a man who kept HOPE in him as he dreamed about becoming the President of the United Sates, in spite of such great odds as the lack of money and having to campaign against a son of the most powerful family in the world, William Jefferson Clinton became President of the United States of American.He then moved on to become one of the most popular faces on planet earth as he spreads millions of dollars helping the sick and under-privileged around the world through the Bill Clinton Foundation.Continuing with his message of Hope, Obama advised the crowd that with HOPE they can change their challenges into opportunities.And indeed he was telling us something that he knew a lot about.When he started his bid for the Democratic Party's nomination, he was told by many people that he had a lot of good prospects as a young lawyer and a graduate of Harvard.They told him that politics is too nasty for him to get into.But Obama knows very well that no one can tell him what he should do.Indeed he has risen against the odds to become such a towering figure on the national stage.That is what it takes to claim your place in this world.Keep HOPE alive with persistence and move forward in your positive direction.No one knows enough to tell you what you should do.Chart your own course out of your dreams and keep on moving.As Obama proceeded with his speech presenting his program and his plans for a new America, if he is elected into office, he kept repeating one phrase that I finally dubbed his chorus for the day. it can be done! And that word CAN is the greatest tool for anyone who wants to build a great future for themself.At the end of the rally as the people dispersed a big crowd gathered around Obama some trying to get him to autograph their copies for his book while others like me struggled for a handshake.Indeed it was tough to get to him with his team of security personnel but I did everything with HOPE that I will have my brush with history this day.I stood on my toes and extended my hand across the group that stood in front of me all trying to get to the man.I guess he must have seen the HOPE shining in my eyes that I will surely shake hands with him, he extended his hand to reach out and I had a grab and a warm handshake with Obama! It was the perfect ending for me for such a great day.Coming home in a train I met two old African American ladies with balloons and other Obama 08 paraphernalia.I wondered what must have been the motivation for them to leave their house this hot morning to come to see Obama.The only answer could be "the audacity of hope".Curious, I asked one of them "do you think obama will make it to the white house?" Her answer was short, precise and pregnant with meaning. We HOPE!Yes, HOPE is what keeps Obama going and HOPE is the message he brought us.HOPE is what you need in your pursuit of success in life.With time hope does crystallize into faith, and with prayers even mountains will yield to the determined man who keeps on pushing with the audacity of hope.I parted with the two old ladies and took the final part of my journey home by bus still ruminating about my encounter with Barrack Obama.His words still ringing in my ears; His concluding words were that we should "kick off our bedroom slippers and put on the marching shoes"!I'd better put down my pen now and put on my marching shoes to move forward in my positive direction!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Success Lesson From The American Idol
It was a bright spring morning in the city that has earned the name Hotlanta.I sauntered out of my Doraville apartment to downtown Atlanta to join the throng of faithfuls awaiting the arrival the American Idol.The soaring popularity of Democratic front runner for the US presidential election of 2008 Barack Obama and his larger-than-life-profile is what led a New York Times reviewer of his book The Audacity of Hope to give him the title awarded to the winner of Americans popular TV program American Idol.Obama, an African American whose father is Kenyan and the mother a white American, has gripped the attention of the whole nation as he rose to prominence in the race for the democratic nomination virtually outclassing hitherto uncontested favorite Hillary Clinton.Obama was to appear at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) this Saturday morning, April 14, for a rally and I was not to be left behind in the mad rush to see this newly minted American celebrity-cum-political-genius.By the time I arrived at Georgia Tech there was already a huge crowd bustling and rocking to the rhythm of music pouring out from the flutes and drums of the Clark Atlanta Marching Band.It was a long wait before the MC for the day appeared announcing Obama's arrival but she wanted us to shout out loud showing our excitement before she would invite her guest on to the stage.The MC left the stage treating us to some more music but this time, the sounds of Stevie Wonder's "Signed Sealed Delivered" played over the giant speakers.Then came the Reverend Dr.Joseph Larry, a civil rights activist, who was to lead us into prayers saying that Obama "seeks spiritual guidance as he wages this campaign to seek executive leadership of this nation." That is when I picked a pen and started noting down what lessons of personal achievement could be learnt from Obama's speech.My first thought is that prayer is important in the pursuit of success.So always seek guidance when setting your goals and when going out to get them.In the words of the late Dr.Norman Vincent Peale "Prayer Releases Power"!A daughter of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson then led the gathering into singing the US national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.Then came the event that everyone was waiting for.Obama took the stage charging the whole park with pulsating enthusiasm."Thank you, than you so much", he chanted, saying that it was so wonderful to have such a mammoth crowd gather to listen to him; "There is something stirring in this country"! He started by saying that the country was yearning for change.As I refocused my mind on the significance of his message to success for the individual, I noted another quote that "we do not believe that we can make a change." There lies the problem, I said to myself.Most people are not satisfied with their current condition but at the same time they do not believe that they can make a change.As Obama continued with his eloquent oratory he emphasized the need for people to keep HOPE alive.Yes, HOPE is the eternal elixir that will keep you moving in the face of any odds.He said to an uproar of applause that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things.".And then my mind floated to the thought of a gentleman who was born in a city called HOPE in Arkansas.He was a man who kept HOPE in him as he dreamed about becoming the President of the United Sates, in spite of such great odds as the lack of money and having to campaign against a son of the most powerful family in the world, William Jefferson Clinton became President of the United States of American.He then moved on to become one of the most popular faces on planet earth as he spreads millions of dollars helping the sick and under-privileged around the world through the Bill Clinton Foundation.Continuing with his message of Hope, Obama advised the crowd that with HOPE they can change their challenges into opportunities.And indeed he was telling us something that he knew a lot about.When he started his bid for the Democratic Party's nomination, he was told by many people that he had a lot of good prospects as a young lawyer and a graduate of Harvard.They told him that politics is too nasty for him to get into.But Obama knows very well that no one can tell him what he should do.Indeed he has risen against the odds to become such a towering figure on the national stage.That is what it takes to claim your place in this world.Keep HOPE alive with persistence and move forward in your positive direction.No one knows enough to tell you what you should do.Chart your own course out of your dreams and keep on moving.As Obama proceeded with his speech presenting his program and his plans for a new America, if he is elected into office, he kept repeating one phrase that I finally dubbed his chorus for the day. it can be done! And that word CAN is the greatest tool for anyone who wants to build a great future for themself.At the end of the rally as the people dispersed a big crowd gathered around Obama some trying to get him to autograph their copies for his book while others like me struggled for a handshake.Indeed it was tough to get to him with his team of security personnel but I did everything with HOPE that I will have my brush with history this day.I stood on my toes and extended my hand across the group that stood in front of me all trying to get to the man.I guess he must have seen the HOPE shining in my eyes that I will surely shake hands with him, he extended his hand to reach out and I had a grab and a warm handshake with Obama! It was the perfect ending for me for such a great day.Coming home in a train I met two old African American ladies with balloons and other Obama 08 paraphernalia.I wondered what must have been the motivation for them to leave their house this hot morning to come to see Obama.The only answer could be "the audacity of hope".Curious, I asked one of them "do you think obama will make it to the white house?" Her answer was short, precise and pregnant with meaning. We HOPE!Yes, HOPE is what keeps Obama going and HOPE is the message he brought us.HOPE is what you need in your pursuit of success in life.With time hope does crystallize into faith, and with prayers even mountains will yield to the determined man who keeps on pushing with the audacity of hope.I parted with the two old ladies and took the final part of my journey home by bus still ruminating about my encounter with Barrack Obama.His words still ringing in my ears; His concluding words were that we should "kick off our bedroom slippers and put on the marching shoes"!I'd better put down my pen now and put on my marching shoes to move forward in my positive direction!
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