Tell us a Story......

As a child I had few toys and games to entertain myself with, I kept myself busy by listening to stories of my mother or other elders around.

I would immerse myself in these stories and at times they were so good that I would try to reenact them.  The most famous of all is the story of my mother and I coming to America. This story highlights my mother's plight, struggles and strengths.  

I find myself telling this story a lot lately. Especially since I've begun this fellowship. Before I wouldn't share this story widely, to the point of avoiding questions or sometimes even pity.  I wasn't ashamed of my history, I just didn't fully understand the impact I could have when telling a story.  I used to think things like this are solely for the purpose of entertainment and once it's over it leaves the listeners mind. I didn't know how to convey myself to make the listener realize what my stories mean.  In short, I was a bad storyteller.  

Over the years, I worked on this skill. I always had it in me but I just did not know how to do it. Finally I had a chance to truly put myself out there and test my story telling skills. This was for our annual Investor Gathering at Acumen Fund. I had one minute and 30 seconds to tell a story about myself and why I'm in this fellowship.  My fellow fellows all had extraordinary, inspiring and funny stories to share in that minute and half. 

 I felt like my story, though good, was conveyed very dull-like by me. Even the weeks of listening to various stories from the founder of Akilah Institute for Women and her students to the homeless in the Bronx to Jacqueline Novogratz herself, I still felt like I couldn't merely inspire my listeners the way they did.  

I worked hard and when that faithful day came on November 10, 2011 I went on stage and told my story. A minute and a half was certainly not enough time to tell my life story but I was finally able to convey myself and why I'm here.  With gaining the strength and courage to get up and say it I have since begun the art of mastering my storytelling skills.  

In the Masai Village the Masai children gather around, John our trusty and excellent guide, to hear  a story. 

I find myself in Nairobi cafes and couches talking about why I am here today. I talk about Acumen Fund and the model, the stories of Sproxil and how they are changing lives and of course my own stories.  I find my listeners drawn, engaged and sometimes emotional about them.  

Similar to my childhood days, I like to find myself on the other side, the listener.  There are so many stories to be heard. From the Nairobi taxi drivers complaining about traffic, bad roads and corruption to the expats telling me about their mission, goals, dreams and favorite local joints to the single mothers sitting on the side of the streets waiting for a cleaning job at someone's home or office.  I know my life will be touched and hopefully I can touch lives by the stories I have yet to be told and spoken.  

Everyone has a story...What's yours going to be today?

The video from the Acumen Fund's Investor Gathering! (Tamsin I know you love that I posted this!) 

P.S. My fellow fellows have some fond "stories" from the title of this post!  ;-)