Why is it so easy for me, halfway across the world in Africa, to enter the home of a stranger and listen to their story, while I am often unwilling and uninterested to stop, even briefly, in my hometown of Atlanta to hear what people have to say?

One of the things I always remind myself is, “You can’t help but love someone once you know their story.”

As we ended each program this summer, I told this story and challenged our students. However, I think it is a message we should all take to heart. Take a step back and think about the experiences you have had in your life, think about the opportunities you have been blessed with, think about the potential you hold in your hands… Don’t play marbles with diamonds!

“You will be the same person in 5 years that you are today except
for 2 things: the people you meet and the book you read” –Charlie Jones

The value and importance of reading can’t be stated too often or too strongly. Simply put, books change people’s lives. The right book at the right time has the power to drastically impact an individual.

After 24 hours of travel, I have finally arrived in Africa. This time two years ago I didn’t even own a passport. I had never been out of the country. I honestly didn’t even know that much about Africa. Here I am, for the third time, delivering leadership lessons to more than 100 students from universities across United States.