By: Zandile Mahlobo

Each and every one of us wishes to grow up and be the best that we can be. We all have a little picture in our head of what we hope our lives play out to be but not every one of us can see that picture within us. Few weeks ago the local newspaper, Daily News, released a shocking report that over 12 000 school children in Kwa-Zulu Natal are pregnant. Where are the parents? But most importantly, where is the ambition in the South African youth? Without ambition there isn’t a way forward. Instead, one finds themselves going through unplanned pregnancies and doing all the wrong things that don’t contribute any good to one’s personal foundation of a brighter future. It’s the following little things that can assist one to becoming the best that they can be …

1. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

An individual should know themselves because if they don’t, then that’s when friends and society have an easier way of influencing you and what you are. Self-acceptance builds your confidence but at the same time, it helps you not to find yourself spending most of your timing wishing you were or even looked like somebody else. It kills the jealousy bacterium which is currently spreading in our society!

2. KNOW WHERE YOU COME FROM

Knowing where you come from makes it easier for you to know where you are going. If you are aware of the poverty you grew up in, then there is no doubt that you will study and strive harder to be something big so that one day you can put an end to poverty; not just for yourself but for your family as well. If your granny’s grant is what assisted you in getting that diploma, don’t neglect your grandmother.

Pictures By Tony Manyangadze

Instead, live and work each day to make her feel as if she is younger and blessed. Remember your disadvantaged community and visit them occasionally ensuring that you strive to bring development in the area. Make this part of your list of dreams you intend to see come true.

3. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING

This takes us back to the importance of possessing ambition. If you can’t visualise yourself working at your dream job, driving your dream car and living the good life, take a moment and get in touch with your ambition. We are the creators of our own destiny.

4. IGNORE THE HATERS

“Oh she’ll never make it! All the girls on this street fall pregnant before the age of 25!” “Who does he think he is? His father was a sales man at a small furniture shop. He must be joking if he thinks he can one day be a boss of a big company.” You will encounter such negativity throughout your journey of success. Haters will talk endlessly, especially neighbours who watched you grow up. If their kids are failing in life then you are expected to fail as well. But, don’t give them even the minutest of satisfaction! Look forward, break all boundaries and make those dreams come true. If all your family members end up working at a particular factory shop and you are one day expected to work there too because there isn’t money to further you education, BREAK THE CYCLE! Get up and search for bursaries. Look for sponsors at your local church or nearby business. Anything is possible!

As some of our youth continue to add to the country’s horrific pregnancy, alcohol and HIV/AIDS rate statistics, make the wise decision that will separate you from them. Be ‘THE OTHER’! Invest more of your time working hard towards your dreams instead of being another digit to the alarming national statistics’ woes.