Blind Brilliance

In life they say you can only talk about that which you have experienced, seen, done or been apart of. I woke up today and actually for the first time truly felt 25. I have for the past few months lived like a 24 year old. I had promised myself certain things when I get to quarter of a century. Some of which will have to be pushed to when I turn 30 but well. One of them was to learn a totally different culture from the one I am used to and that has been fulfilled by the YALI Washington fellowship.

Anyway I have shared with my fellows for three weeks now and one thing is clear. Young people are doing amazing things on the African continent. I for a very long time thought I was special for running a company at 23 years but meeting all the Northwestern fellows has shown me that I actually am not. If at all am privileged because a few people now know more about what I do but the underlying factor here is that all the 24 fellows have amazing stories.

My next door neighbor at the Foster walker complex Tafadzwa is a brilliant human being. Barely 29 years old, Taffy as we call him lost his sight four I years ago. As I we speak he is not only the founder of Shine on Zimbabwe but also a motivational speaker as well as a very popular radio host back home in Zimbabwe. If ever I had complained about my situation I have just been inspired to always look on the bright side. Not only is he very techno savvy but his way of doing things is mature and very organized.

We have barely spent three weeks together but I very easily regard him as a brother, comrade, fellow and very good friend. His charisma is slowly sweeping away the hearts of many here at northwestern earning him the title of Mr 'president' here among the fellows. His infectious personality has made him a darlings with the staff here with one of the staff members going as far as using him to inspire his little siblings. Being his next door neighbor I have tried to be there for him as much as I can making others think that we have known each other for a life time now. It's hard to make people believe we met barely three weeks ago.

YALI has taught me not just business but a vital life lesson in living with persons with disability. I have grown in patience and I think fate wanted me to grow that side of me. Life gives you a fork instead of a spoon to have soup and in his case he has made it his blessing. I am prepared to eat soup using chopsticks if I have to to change lives. This opportunity is not just my chance to shine as taffy says but an open door to bring in more opportunities to my fellow young people.

My biggest lesson this summer is that what a seeing man can do a blind man can do better. So give them a chance. Taffy is changing the world around him every minute. Visually impaired for four years now his achievements are inconceivable. I am truly humbled at the opportunity to interact and share with such great individuals.