Trucks, Potholes, and 21 Stars: My Keynote Story

It was the 6th of September, and I arrived on time, or at least I like to think I did, after surviving the rock-and-roll of Caldwell Road, cruising through Japan Freeway, and dodging trucks on Dixville Road. Speaking of Dixville, there were more trucks than cars, and some enterprising folks had rigged a “roped checkpoint” to slow down drivers and ask for what we affectionately call a “small thing.” Somehow, I navigated through the chaos and finally reached the compound of St. Maria Goretti Institute, greeted by the joyful buzz of students arriving early and hosts putting the finishing touches on the event. And I? Well… I arrived earlier, of course. Timing is everything.

Walking into the hall, I was immediately struck by the energy. The graduating class of 21 students, breeds of excellence, as they were rightly called, marched in singing a song that brought back memories of my own high school days: God Win by Korede Bello. Nostalgia hit me like a truck (a friendly one, not like those on Dixville Road).

The class history was read with such flair by Armah Korley P. Jr., setting the stage for what this class had accomplished. It was a story of dedication, teamwork, brilliance and fun. Then came the splendid introduction by S. Hawa Freeman, which made me feel so warmly welcomed. And of course, I can’t overemphasize the brilliance of Dominic T. Brown, the valedictorian, some achievements should come with a warning label!

When it was my turn to speak, I shared my story, from hiding behind my big brother’s outstanding achievements back in elementary and junior high school (let’s just say I perfected the art of “invisible student” early on), to discovering I had dyslexia, which made learning feel like trying to read a map upside down while blindfolded.

Then came one of the biggest tests of all: the Ebola school closures. While most of my classmates were probably perfecting the art of binge-watching TV or napping at odd hours, I set my 3 a.m. alarm like it was a personal drill for success. I held onto two guiding truths: “With God, all things are possible,” and “Study to show yourself approved.” I wanted a double promotion like my brother, even though it was rarely done in senior high. Hard? Yes. Impossible? Absolutely not. I earned the double promotion from 10th to 11th grade and eventually made it through high school as valedictorian.

And then came the “shoe polish moment.” One day, I noticed students trudging into school with dusty shoes, long faces, and a general air of “life is hard.” Instead of ignoring it, I bought a tin of shoe polish and placed it at the school entrance. At first, people laughed. “Who polishes shoes for free?” they asked. But soon, students were smiling, shoes were shiny, and that small act became something bigger: a lesson in noticing a problem and taking action. I later became the first female senior high president of Rosa Preparatory School System in Brewerville. Like Albert Einstein said: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”

That shoe polish wasn’t just about clean shoes—it was a metaphor. Even the tiniest act, when done with care, can ripple out and touch lives. It was my first real taste of leadership: spotting a need, taking action, and seeing the impact. From that moment, I realized that problems—big or small—aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities waiting for someone bold enough to step up.

I reminded them of three lessons:

1. Have a Vision – Keep moving when life gets hard.
2. Be a Solution – Notice problems and fix them. (Yes, even Liberia’s youth representation and development could use a little shoe polish!)
3. Never Stop Learning – Graduation isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning.

By the end of the day, I left the hall with a full heart and sore cheeks, from smiling, laughing, and maybe dodging one too many metaphorical potholes. These graduates are Africa’s treasures, not the minerals resources, but bright minds ready to make change. And me? I got reminded why I’m passionate about youth empowerment and governance: it’s the small acts, the solutions, and the bold ideas that create impact.