Share Your Gift

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony at Grant Memorial Presbyterian School, the primary school where I started my academic life. This time, my visit there was to give the feature address. Apart from being happy to be there, I was impressed by the students graduating. With all of the disturbing events happening in our country and around the world, I was pleased to be in such a relaxed environment and at the same time, struck by the talent and the “all-rounded” nature of the graduating class.

While there, I heard poetry performed by a 10-year-old, who delivered it with such grace, poise, and passion, it made me feel that I should have paid for it. There were also two 11-year-olds who sang solos that almost brought me to tears….almost. I held back because I didn’t want to be crying in front of one hundred and fifty 11-year-olds facing me, especially while I was sitting next to the principal on the stage. Besides, I was about to deliver my speech, and my message that day was “Striving Towards the Goal.”

One story I shared was my experience as a teenager in high school where I ended up in a science class. Eventually, I pursued a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Microbiology and if someone asked me today why I did that, I would not be able to explain it. I really didn’t have a compelling “WHY”. I would say that it was all I knew and I just followed the crowd.

Today, a teenager could pick up a guitar and say: “This is my career!!!!!” Back then it seemed like the only thing students wanted was to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, or at least, that is what their parents wanted them to be. Yesterday, however, I saw girls and boys embracing their talent and looking confident. I am certainly not saying there wasn’t talent in my generation, but it wasn’t like this. Students didn’t seem to have the “fire” in their eyes like I saw yesterday, not only with the students performing but with the many who sat before me.

I shared with them that I was happy to be doing what I love today and that they should be also. It is never too early to be doing what you truly feel is your gift. It is not without its challenges.

I have, at times, felt like I don’t shamelessly pursue with reckless abandon some of the things that would drive me forward.

However, I am getting there. What I saw in those students yesterday was something I wish I had back then. That is…the drive to make courage a habit and to make it unconscious, to make it a part of you that is natural and not forced. If they have it at this age, I can’t imagine the limitless possibilities that will be in store for them in the years to come.

So…….share your gift. You will never know how you could touch people. We sometimes feel so ashamed of what people will think if we do this or do that. Aim to understand that you are giving value. Believe in that and live your purpose.

Tony Ragoonanan is the Founder of  V-Formation Training & Development. As a Trainer and Performance Management Specialist, he helps individuals, teams, and businesses to align behaviours and goals, create the right organizational culture and maximize capability. Outside of this, it’s all about family,  football, and fitness!!

868-681-3492 | tonyr0909@gmail.com