The Following is What a Colleague Said About my Story of Self - Wilson Thelimo Louis.
What a fantastic story of self, Wilson. I enjoy reading and writing poetry as well. Unfortunately, I wrote quite a bit when I was in grade school but not so much when life as an adult started. When I graduated from sixth grade, I was the first student to memorize "If" by Rudyard Kipling and the King James version 123rd Psalm. I was asked to lead the other students during the graduation ceremony. It was a big deal for me. I remember my family being so supportive. It sparked the beginning of my love of poetry. I am so proud of you for having published a poetry book. My two favorite poems are "If" by Rudyard Kipling and "The Invitation" by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. I, too, came from humble beginnings as most Black people in this country and around the world. A single grandmother raised me. Our growing up fatherless and being raised by our grandmothers are commonalities. For most of my adult life, I have had more than one job to be able to live the lifestyle I desire.
I grew up in an era where villages raised children–churches, teachers, mentors, neighbors, and other community members. My upbringing was a time when people knew their neighbors and did not mind sharing and helping others. I have always loved hearing Hillary Rodham Clinton say, "It takes a village to raise a child. As I read your story of self, we have quite a bit in common. As a child, I excelled academically and skipped grades when I was too advanced. I graduated from high school at the age of sixteen. It touched me deeply to read that you would sometimes forget your birthday. Money was not plentiful; raised by a grandmother who lived on a fixed income in the household. Knowing how creative a person can be amid humility and less fortune is interesting. Even though you did not receive money or gifts as a child on your birthday, God allowed you to compose a poem motivated by your fasting day routine on your birthday. I ask the question, Wilson:
"How many people have written and published a poem based on a personal childhood experience?"
You have inspired me to rest, embrace prayer and complete a strategic plan for a new year of life on my next birthday. That is a great way to spend a portion of your birthday. Remember that your Clinton School cohort Doris Haynes Miller will celebrate her birthday differently because of you. If my birthday falls on a weekday, I always opt to go to work. Wilson, I am amazed at how you arrived in the United States in 2016 and succeeded in reinventing yourself. Your independence and survival instincts were some of the ingredients that guided you to a beautiful wife and a successful life. I remember the invitation you shared with the class. Again, congratulations on continually creating new chapters in your life. Most of us strive for accomplishments and to reach our goals. Amazingly, our weaknesses can also be our strengths.
I admire your confidence in being able to deal with adversity. I like that you have been able to turn your challenges into power tools of abundance. You have accomplished more in your life than most people I know who had more affluent upbringings. This makes you a force to be reckoned with. Wilson, I have enjoyed reading your story of self. I feel you have allowed me to get to know you a little better than before. Reading your discussion posts and listening to you share during collaborative sessions have shown me that you are strong, caring, sincere, genuine, enthusiastic, and intellectual. You are on a great path! Keep striving for greatness, and you will eventually achieve your dreams and goals. Thank you for sharing an incredible story! You have inspired me to do more and become a better public servant.
Doris