“Beyond the war and the warrior, only the story remains”-Chinua Achebe 11/02/10

Our global perspectives class had the amazing privilege to have an inspirational Olympic Champion, Daniel Igali, speak to us during class. He told us of his dreams, his struggles and how he was able to succeed in his life. It is amazing to think he was a mere boy in a village of Nigeria, and now he is representing Canada in the world Olympics. Truly amazing, I don’t even know if there is words for it. Listening to him speak was so motivational and I used to think to myself it is going to be heartbreaking when the Mongolia trip is over and the new students for the program start rolling in. BUT after yesterday I realized it will not be the end. Mongolia is going to be the start of something great, something fantastic. I don’t want my humanitarian work to end there, I want to help people everywhere, all over Africa, travel to India, build schools for children around Asia and so much more. It may not be much but it will make a difference in some people lives. Maybe it will inspire a child, JUST like how Daniel Igali was inspired, his mind was fully set of becoming an Olympic champion because he was inspired and look where he is now. And like Madison, I was also trying to fight back tears. Not only because of the inspiration but because after becoming this huge Olympic icon, he remembered where he came from and chose to go back to build an academy in Nigeria. It was amazing to meet the warrior with the story.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!