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.
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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.
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photo credit: saballettheater.com
video credit: cnn.com
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This is my first time hearing Michaela’s story, and I must say just hearing this interview bought tears to my eyes. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this with us, Makeba. This is such a powerful story.
I love to see and hear people’s stories who have beat the odds and empowered themselves to do more than their circumstances predicted for them. This is one of those stories.
Very inspiring and well written, my friend. Kudos and thank you! <3
Deone Higgs latest inspiration..If You Need Somebody You Can Trust, Trust Yourself
Greetings Deone! Yes I had not heard of Michaela prior to coming across the video featured here, either. I was in tears myself just in awe of her strength and her resiliency–her determination to be the very best and go after what she wanted in life despite of what anyone said or did to her. Hers is truly a remarkable story!! I am so very glad to spread awareness of it in hopes to inspire others that they can indeed make it. ~Thank you so much for the kind words my friend–I truly appreciate you sharing here with me!
I have read and heard many interviews about this incredible young woman over the past several months. I like her courage and determination. I think she is a role model or example of strength and courage for people of all ages. Thank you for sharing her story.
Greetings Janeane! When I learned about Michaela and her background, it brought tears to my eyes–tears of joy of how she has become so strong and has overcome so much–I could not help but to share her story so that others can see that if Michaela can be a survivor of extreme hardships and trials, and others can, too. ~Thank you so very much for sharing here with me!