How You Wait Matters

“Where are you from?”

This seems like a very simple question on the surface. But, it is multi-layered for me. I was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, raised in Texas, and currently reside in New York. This year marks my 10th anniversary living in New York. So, yes, I am waiting on my official "You're a New Yorker" card to arrive in the mail any day now.

From the moment I set foot in Manhattan for a cheerleading competition during my junior year of high school, I was captivated. The city's pulse, the vibrant crowds, and the towering buildings presented an irresistible allure. This was my place and I knew it, but I had to wait for my turn to make my move to the big city.

The moment finally came when a good friend, Tabitha V., referred me to Slalom. The only problem (or opportunity as I saw it) was that the job was in New York and I was living in Houston at the time. I decided to take a bet on myself and pursue my dream. I paid out of pocket for my flights from Houston to NYC and hotels in Manhattan during the rigorous interview process.

In May 2015, I found out that I got the job. In June 2015, I started my journey in the city of my dreams and have never looked back.

This experience taught me a vital lesson about the importance of our actions during periods of anticipation. How we approach waiting matters; we can passively wait for destiny or actively pursue opportunities in the interim.

Dare to go for it.