what I am grateful for by Awa Diallo

My mother, the best person in my life

This might sound cheesy but I am grateful for being alive, healthy and being able to have all my needs fulfilled, as well as my wants. But most of all, I am grateful for my mum. She raised me all by herself and she managed to take care of little brothers and sisters. She is the one that always encourages me to be the best at what I like to do, and she always taught me to respectful to anyone, no matter his situation, from the house maid to my boss. Additionally, she is the most positive and calm person I know; she would find positivity in every situation. Very spiritual and religious, she shows me that even in the current world, you can be kind and polite, and still succeed. Whenever I am lost in what I am doing, what I want for my future… she is the one that I call to put all into perspective. I am grateful to have here in my life, to have that mother that a lot of my friends envy me for. I am grateful for her health, and her being able to provide for me and my uncles and aunts; I am grateful for her kind heart and, most of all, for the 110% support she has been giving me for my whole life and still doing it.

I am grateful for my travel experience.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to travel for my studies. After obtaining my high school degree in Senegal, I went to France where I lived for 3 years. It was not the best years of my life, but I learned a lot about people. Indeed, it was the first time I left my family to live in another country all by myself. That taught me how to socialise with people with different backgrounds, cultures, and very new and different personalities. I learned the hard way that people are not naturally nice, and they are afraid of the unknown. Therefore, I had to be open minded and understanding. On the other hand, the experience I had in France really showed me examples and ideas I can develop in my country.

After 3 years in France, I went to England were I stayed for nearly 4 years. This step is the one I am the most grateful for. I learned to speak fluent English, and developed my socialising skills. When in France I needed people not to be afraid and accept diversity, It was the contrary, the diversity there was scary. However, working and studying in such environment allowed me to deal with a lot of different personalities. I also had very challenging experiences as a team manager in a big retail store.

Right now, I am in Quebec where I am planning for staying at least 3 more years to get an MBA and get professional experience. I am grateful because I am sure of the good changes I will bring in my country when I go home.