The zeal and will to succeed has been the order of the day in recent times; especially amongst youths. While some believe in hard work, consistency and perseverance, others think there are short cuts to success. This situation has left many in a dilemma with the possibility to choose the right direction left in the mercy of a third party.
In such difficult times, how do we remedy the situation without pushing the people we need to assist further into trouble?
Mme Claris Angafor who is motivated by the passion and the zeal she has in educating, inspiring and being the leading voice of hope and empowerment to those living with challenging and complex life issues including special educational needs believes that “having a positive attitude towards life is the beginning of success. Being focused, passionate and consistent in every little thing one puts one’s mind on. Above all, Grit is the most important of all; in order for one to be successful in any endeavours in life”.
In an interview with Hovariegns Connect, she poured out so much information including her most challenging seasons and how she managed to walk through them. read through the conversation below:
- Tell us your name, occupation & organization?
I am Claris Angafor (AC Mbeng). I work as a Data Quality Analyst with the NHS UK. Alongside my main job, I am an author, an autism Ambassador/Advocate and founder of an autism charity called CAN-Abilities Foundation, with a talk show; The Voice of Hope Media
- What motivates you?
The passion and the zeal I have in educating, inspiring and being the leading voice of hope and empowerment to those living with challenging and complex life issues including special educational needs.
- What are your unique values?
My unique values are not quite different from the fundamental core ethical values that everyone has to strive to achieve on earth, which are honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, care, respect, and personal responsibility. I do believe that everyone has to be treated with so much respect and dignity irrespective of their abilities, sex or cultural background
- What are your hustle habits?
It is quite difficult for me to engage in an activity which I do not like. I am quite a passionate person and when I like and enjoy an activity, I put in my all to see it succeed. There is no hustle without roadblocks, however, the energy, the efforts and the passion put in and coupled with determination usually lead to success.
- How do you push through your worst times?
During my worst times, I make sure I am aware that I am going through a worst time, I seek to understand what is it that makes that particular time worst, I acknowledge its presence and I try to accept the situation then look for ways to help me go through and be able to move forward without any hate, resentment or anger. My fervent belief that every experience lived is worthy, valuable and has the power to transform lives has helped me through the worst times. As human beings, we have the tendency of regarding any challenge in life as a tragedy but once we start looking at our worst times as stepping stones to a better future, then these worst times will always lead to change and a new you to be born.
- Can you describe a time when you thought you hit rock bottom?
The first time I hit rock bottom was in 2010, when I had my little boy. The worst part of it was that I was not even aware that I was suffering with postnatal depression. However, I knew something was not right; the mood swings, the anger, outburst of tears etc. My second encounter was when I suffered a huge loss and was hit by depression during my grieving period. However, this came with a twist because it was then that I discovered that it had to take a tragic loss for me to become aware that I have been struggling and had been crying out for help. This period was a life-changing moment and my life changed for the better. I always say that being aware of anything you are struggling with is already a huge step towards healing, understanding and Acceptance are channels through which you acknowledge your new reality, knowing that despite all the odds, we are responsible for our health and we are the only ones to push ourselves to seek help, get treatment and be happy again. We only have one life to live and so we have to be able to take care of the life that was given to us now, before the cemetery or the psychiatrist does.
- Has there been any failures that made your life better?
I do not have failures but I only have opportunities that have made my life better than it was before the opportunity presented itself.
- You have any steps or events that transformed your life?
I think I’ll just name one event that transformed my life, which was the loss of my little baby.
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming successful?
I believe having a positive attitude towards life is the beginning of success. Being focused, passionate and consistent in every little thing one puts one’s mind on. Above all, Grit to me is the most important of all; in order for one to be successful in any endeavours in life.
- Any inspirational quote or motivational statement that keeps you going?
Oh yes, i love this quote by Randy Pausch — ‘Experience is what you gain when you didn’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.’
