You Know Gabby Douglas, But Do You Know Michaela DePrince? [VIDEO]

If you know who Gabby Douglas is, then you should also know Michaela DePrince.

Both girls are in their teens (16 and 17 respectively), both have worked extremely hard to achieve their dreams and become stars in their own right, and both have braved treacherous childhoods and insurmountable obstacles to get to where they are today. Both have also had to deal with huge amounts of negativity and taunting regarding their appearance.

Like Gabby Douglas, Sierra Leone-born ballerina star Michaela DePrince made the decision early on that she would not be detoured from her dream by any of those things mentioned above—or anything else. And even as she—like Gabby—continues to deal with others being focused on her past or her appearance, Michaela is determined to not look back, to stay focused on her goals and her future; and to keep moving forward.

Take a look as she shares some very strong words of empowerment in the interview below.

.

 .

There is a lot that can be learned from Michaela DePrince. Her life is a reminder that there is always going to be those who choose to focus on your past, there will always be someone that doesn’t like you no matter how hard you try, and there will always be someone that has something less-than-flattering about your appearance, your lifestyle, and your dreams. Through it all, you have to learn to nevermind the naysayers and keep pushing towards what you want.

Keep your confidence, keep your focus, and keep on rising and shining!

To learn more about the story of Michaela DePrince, click Here.

.

photo credit: saballettheater.com

video credit: cnn.com

.

.