WHAT IS YOUR TALENT?
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | May 1st, 2017
This past weekend I attended the 2nd Annual Grace N. Osuagwu Education Foundation (GNOEF) Tea and Talent Showcase Fundraiser in Brooklyn, New York. The foundation is a 501 ( c )(3) nonprofit whose sole purpose is to provide scholarships to those pursuing their education. During the showcase, we feature youth talent and provide cash prizes to encourage our youth to pursue their dreams. With the purchase of a ticket, you sip on tea and see the show. This year we had a lot of tea but only one talent act.
At 5:00 pm, the guests started to arrive. Those on the planning committee were still hopeful that there would be more youth talent. We knew that we could not keep people totally entertained with just one act. The one act performed and we still had 2 hours left. It was at that time, my sister asked the guests to pick up their pens on the table. One end was a pen and the other end was a flashlight. She had everyone turn on their flashlight and turn the light towards them. She told the guests that the spotlight was on them and it was time for them to show their talent.
It was amazing what happened next. People came up to the stage to perform. We had a storyteller, we had sisters dancing, we had a person recite a genuine poem, we had a comedian and we were taught how to greet people in 8 different languages. When, Maya Angelou said “I believe everyone is born with talent”, she was not lying. What would happen if the spotlight was turned on you? Are you ready to share your talent with the world? Self-expression is a good way to relieve stress and anxiety.
GNOEF provides four specific education scholarships. The deadline for Live Your Dream Now Summer Program Scholarship is fast approaching – May 15, 2017. If you know a high school student who will need support for the summer program registration fees, please have them go online to www.goeducate.org to fill out an application. You can also go on the website for further information on other scholarships offered.
