I’m so very grateful to @engagesummits for gifting me this moment. It’s an extra special one and I’ll tell you why. 22 years ago, my family moved to New Orleans from Lagos. One random day in high school I saw that there was an audition for the dance team. OK, y’all first of all I don’t know how to dance. And secondly, I did not fully understand what a dance team in New Orleans actually meant. But for some very strange reason I signed up for the try outs. Fast forward to try-out day and I still can’t tell you what I did. I was a mess. Honestly, I remember trying to split. I think I added some naija moves in there and all I remember from that day was laughter. Some of the judges laughing at me and some of the folks in the room thinking I was joke. I mean I was bad. Can y’all believe I had the nerve to go and see if I made the team a couple of days later. My sister @bukssss walked up with me to see if I made it and needless to say I didn’t. My sister encouraged me to go ask the coach why I didn’t make it (seriously I knew why lol) but I summoned up courage and went to Coach Brown (will never forget her) and asked why. She said I just didn’t understand the culture and what it meant to be on the dance team, BUT if I really wanted, I can come to practices and start learning. Friends, that was my 10th grade year in high school and by my 12th grade year, I was the captain (swipe to last pic to see captain Dami in a parade). I lead the dance team for every single Mardi Gras parade and football game. When We walked into the gala, we were welcomed by the marching band and dance team. I had a full circle moment. I was reminded of several things; 1. 13 years old Dami has come a long way. And determination will take you further than any natural talent. 2. Forget about the naysayers. Remain humble and use all that noise as fuel. 3. It is never about how you start. It will always be about the journey because the destination is ever evolving. Finally, thank you Rebecca + Kathryn and Vanessa for the invaluable opportunity to be a part of the @engagesummits Krewe!! I’m so so humbled and grateful. Thank You!! @ashleyludaescherphoto