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"How does one become a butterfly"…she asked? "You must want to fly so much
that that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar".
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Lately, I have been thinking a lot about dreams and
ambitions. I used to pride myself as an ambitious person who dreamed big and
pursued those dreams relentlessly. I used to set goals, put myself out there,
take chances and refuse to quit. I have
to say I lived some of my dreams; some which I never thought would become a
reality either because they seemed too unrealistic, too silly and crazy – but
come to pass they did.
To be frank it has been a long time since I sat down and
re-evaluated my life, where I am, where I want to be and where I am going. It’s
like I have shelved some of my dreams for one reason or the other. Yes, life it
too hectic, there is always so much to do and sometimes this busyness runs me
down leaving be too exhausted and lazy to do much. Then there is the issue of
procrastination – it never seems to be right time or the right way to do it. Then
lately I have been thinking that it is simply too late to do some of the things
I have always wanted to do – for instance simple things like learning to swim
or ride a bike. Making too many excuses that is the problem.
Then a few days ago I watched this film called the First
Grader, which is based on a true story of Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge a Kenyan
man who holds the holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person
to start primary school. The story of this man stirred something inside of me and
lit again that fire and zeal I used to have when it came to my dreams. He
reminded me that it is never too late to pursue a dream or desire. Marunge at
the age of 84 in 2004 enrolled to be a first grade student after an announcement
by the Kenyan government about free elementary education in 2003. One of his
dreams was to be able to read his letters himself; he wanted the empowerment
that came with education. This man faced much opposition but he refused to be
denied the opportunity which had represented itself in the announcement of free
elementary education for all (his argument being that no age limit was
given). In the remaining 5 years of
Marunge’s life he achieved things he would not have done so had he just accepted
that he was too old and it was too late. He was appointed head boy at the
school he was going to as he was a model student and in 2005 he went to New
York where he addressed the United Nations Millennium Development Summit on the
importance of free primary education. It was also the first time that he
boarded a plane. I believe that when Marunge died in 2009 he died a
fulfilled man having lived his dream and so much more.
Thank you Marunge for leaving behind such a powerful piece
of history that reminds us who are on the verge of giving up thinking it is too
late or what is the point . How wonderful it would be get
to the end of our lives and be able to say we lived a full and fulfilling life
– either having chased our dreams or lived them or at least having had a go at
them.
