Good morning, everyone.
I want to ask you something simple but powerful: What’s your Story?
Every artist, every teacher, every writer and mentor you admire today, every one of them, started with a choice. They decided to stop watching from the sidelines and to start creating.
That moment, when they chose to begin, wasn’t always loud or obvious. It wasn’t always easy. In fact, many of them struggled. They faced failure. They had moments when they wanted to give up. They fell, but they got back up. And that’s what made their stories worth telling.
You see, success doesn’t magically appear. Even people who seem to have it all still have to work hard. They still have to stay focused, to be disciplined, and to keep learning. And sometimes, a journey starts quietly, without applause or attention. But beneath it all is courage. Determination. Growth.
And now, I turn to you, beloved child, growing teen, future creator.
What has life taught you so far?
What have you learned from the stories of others, those who inspire you, those who made you think, those who made you feel something deep inside?
You’ve already been gathering ideas, dreams, and lessons. Now it’s your time to use them. To begin shaping your own story.
You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to gather all the degrees and certificates. You don’t have to build a successful career. No, you don’t have to be perfect or successful. You just have to begin.
Because stories are more than entertainment. They shape how we see the world. They connect us. They open our eyes, and sometimes, they even change the direction of our lives.
What are the most powerful stories? They’re the ones you choose to tell about yourself. The ones you build with your choices, your hopes, your effort.
So today, I invite you, no, I encourage you to…
Start creating.
Start dreaming boldly.
Start telling your story.
Because we’re all waiting to hear it.
And I’ll leave you with this quote from author Maya Angelou, who once said: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
So tell yours!
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
