When I first moved to New York City, I quickly became acquainted with the complexities of the American economy, many of which I had only observed from afar. One of the most striking aspects was the tipping culture—a seemingly small but pervasive feature of daily life that speaks volumes about deeper systemic issues.
On the 15th of December, 2024, I stood on stage at the Africa Achievement Awards, honored to receive the Best International African Youth Empowerment Award. The moment was surreal, not just for the recognition itself but for the opportunity to pause and reflect on what it all means. Being recognized for the work I’ve poured my heart into over the past decade is humbling. Yet, in this moment of celebration, I am also acutely aware of the immense responsibility that we all share.
When I started my MBA, I made a conscious decision to remain open—to let the universe guide me, as opposed to committing to a specific industry. I didn’t have a clear goal or a pre-determined path; I just wanted to immerse myself in learning and let opportunities unfold organically. As I near my summer internship with Xbox, I’ve been asking myself: Why gaming? Why has the universe nudged me into this industry? During my visit to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, my MSFT mentor, Miguel mentioned that gaming generates more revenue than all other entertainment industries combined. This was VERY eye-opening.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my growth, both personally and professionally. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead contains a chapter titled “Are You My Mentor?” that resonates deeply with my own journey.