Online Reporter
Youth Focus with Dr Manners Msongelwa
DEAR students.
Let me tell you a story about a boy named Tapiwa. He was in Form Three, bright and full of ideas. Tapiwa loved art — drawing, sketching and designing characters. It was something that made him feel alive. But every time he showed his work to his classmates, they laughed.
“Art won’t get you anywhere,” some said.
“You should be playing soccer like the rest of us,” others added.
Even some teachers advised him to “focus on serious subjects.”
Little by little, Tapiwa started believing them. He stopped drawing in his free time. He threw away his sketchbooks.
He joined clubs he didn’t enjoy, just to fit in. On the outside, he looked like a regular student — but on the inside, he was losing his spark.
One day, during a school career guidance session, a guest speaker said something that hit him hard:
“If you live for people’s approval, you’ll die with their rejection. Do what makes your heart beat faster.”
That evening, Tapiwa went home, dug out his old sketchbook and began to draw again. This time, he didn’t care who approved. He decided to believe in his gift — with or without applause.
Fast forward two years, Tapiwa’s drawings were featured in a local exhibition. He’s now studying graphic design and helping other students build confidence in their talents.
The lesson?
Advice from people is helpful, but not always right. You need to know who you are, what you want and what makes you unique. Not everyone will understand your dreams — and that’s okay.
Don’t change who you are just to please others.
Don’t always wait for likes, comments or applause to feel good about yourself.
Believe in yourself, even when no one else claps.
You are the author of your future. Make decisions that reflect your values and goals. And when it gets hard, remember Tapiwa — and stand on your own feet.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth coach. He can be contacted on +263 771 019 392
