Back in the vibrant year of 1984, there I was – a spirited but shy ten-year-old girl, navigating life with a delightful mix of lessons, giggles, and dreams of grand adventures. However, my days at Christ the King school were shadowed by my shyness and reserved nature, which seemed to define much of my existence. The turning point came when the school announced a grand play, and excitement buzzed through our classroom. The desire to be the lead in that play ignited a flame within me, but my shyness held me back. Doubt clouded my thoughts, and the idea of the Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Quaidoo, selecting me for such a role seemed like an impossible dream. Yet, within the depths of my tender heart, a seed of determination was planted. “I will be a lead in a play somewhere,” I whispered to myself, unwilling to let my shyness define my dreams. So, I turned to my sphere of influence – my home. At home, I gathered my friends from the neighborhood and my siblings. “We’re going to act out a play!” I declared, my eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. With enthusiasm, I became the lead and took charge of directing the play. After school, we practiced tirelessly, turning our living room into a stage where dreams unfolded. In my element, I convinced my mother, Mama Monica, to invite her friends to witness our creation. The notion of performing without an audience seemed foreign to me, and so Mama Monica, curious and supportive, agreed. Chairs were arranged, a makeshift stage was set, and the day arrived for our homegrown performance. The play unfolded with joy, laughter, and a unique charm that only I could bring. I reveled in my leading actress role as “Lawyer Rebecca,” orchestrating the play with infectious enthusiasm. At the play’s end, my mom surprised me with the concept of a “silver collection.” The term was foreign to me, but as the silver collection commenced, I witnessed a flood of generosity from the audience. People, moved by the creativity and effort of us young performers, contributed to our cause. It was a revelation for me – the realization that I could imagine my reality and create it, and that people were willing to support those who dared to dream. In that moment, the seed planted in my young mind blossomed into a powerful notion – the futuristic concept of creativity, fun performance, and fundraising. It was not just about putting on a play; it was about creating something unique, inspiring others, and receiving support from a community that believed in dreams. As I celebrate my 50th birthday, I look back on that pivotal play from 40 years ago and thank my parents, especially my mom, for encouraging me to become “Lawyer Rebecca.” It was a moment that shaped my understanding of the joy of imagination, the power of creativity, and the beauty of a supportive community rallying behind dreams. Mansa Agyare Founder, The Birthday Journal The Joy of Imagination 4 The Birthday Journal
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