Contest: MY INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY DESPITES ALL ODDS.

“We now welcome an award participant, Miss Immaculate Kumesi to share her impact story.” I was about to present to a high profile audience consisting of the Vice President, of Ghana, (Dr.) Mahamudu Bawumia, The Duke of Edinburgh HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Former President of Ghana, The Late Jerry John Rawlings, and numerous Ministers of State and High Commissioners at a donors dinner. My heart skipped a beat. As I walked to the stage to give my speech, I reflected on how I got to this point.

At a young age, I learnt that: “The world doesn't care about you unless you make a difference”. Being an optimistic person, I always look at the positive outcome of everything that I set my mind to do. I had thought that change-makers were just well-to-do adults in society and that kids from underprivileged homes like me could not make a significant impact.This mentality dropped when I became a participant in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DoFE)/Head of state award scheme (HOSA), a non educational as well as a challenge programme. As service to mankind being my topmost priority,a lover of adventure and a curious individual and a changemaker the award scheme was a challenge I felt suited me.

A passion for adventure led me on a 72 kilometre walk over the course of 3 days with the aid of a paper map to the village of Daboase.(walking by foot oo). The village was heavily reliant on farming and the population was largely illiterate. My team and l were deeply saddened by the situation, and in our quest to solve the problem we engaged the youth in the community and educated them on the need of going to school.I recognized that indeed I am contributing to change and the betterment of my country in my own small way as a problem solver.

As part of the scheme, I learnt a new skill which made me break through communication barriers. Learning how to interpret to hearing impaired individuals. When I first started the class, I was ridiculed and wanted to quit. I had people mocking to others that my mom was deaf and that was why I was learning signlanguage. This deeply saddened me but I was spurred on to continue in spite of the mockery I faced. I kept on learning and within a period of 3 years, I was volunteering as an interpreter to the deaf in my church and teaching others.

On the first of September 2018, I received a letter informing me that I had successfully completed all stages of the scheme and had been awarded a certificate of participation in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. All my efforts had been recognized at the Jubilee House. Among 124 participants, I was the only one selected to be a speaker at the donors’ dinner held for sponsors of the award.

I walked boldly to the podium. With enthusiasm and proud of my achievements started my speech. Occasionally, I was interrupted by series of applause and expression of emotions. I finished my speech to thunderous applause. I was escorted to a table where the former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was seated. “Well done! Keep it up. You will go far.” I was truly humbled by the experience. This has involved unwavering resilience, especially when face with knock backs such as mockery. Keeping my mind set on the end goal has been a character-building experience. I now embrace challenges and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to do. Like the begging of everything I know it's difficult, as a steemit newbie I am nervous but hopeful of my ability to press on in the face of adversity and rise to be the best I can be.

Thank you @awuahbenjamin for this amazing contest I hope I have inspire someone.