Hope is a Verb | Fifi Baiden | TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool

Summary

The speaker shares a deeply personal journey, recounting their experiences growing up in poverty in Ghana, witnessing despair, and learning important life lessons. Through the guidance of their grandmother, they realized that hope alone isn't enough—action is key. By taking charge of their circumstances, they went on to achieve success through scholarships, professional soccer, and eventually gave back by coaching and establishing a nonprofit to support orphaned children in Ghana. The message is clear: hope is not just a feeling; it's an action that can transform lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hope is not just a feeling; it is an action that drives change.
• 😀 Perseverance and hard work are essential in transforming challenges into success.
• 😀 Even in the face of poverty and hardship, taking action can lead to a better future.
• 😀 The first step in overcoming adversity is to make the decision to act on hope.
• 😀 Life’s struggles should not define us; our response to them does.
• 😀 Success is not just about achieving your own goals, but also helping others achieve theirs.
• 😀 Community involvement and giving back are key components of success and personal growth.
• 😀 Hope is a verb – it requires effort, commitment, and active pursuit of your dreams.
• 😀 Overcoming personal obstacles can set the stage for inspiring and empowering others.
• 😀 Each person has the potential to change their circumstances through hard work and determination.
• 😀 The importance of mentorship and coaching in guiding others toward realizing their hopes and dreams.

Q & A

What life experiences influenced the speaker's perspective on hope and action?

The speaker grew up in Ghana, where he witnessed the negative effects of poverty, including malnutrition, child abandonment, and the destruction of families. These experiences shaped his belief that hope alone is not enough to change circumstances; action is needed to improve one's situation.

What was the advice the speaker's grandmother gave him when he was six years old?

The speaker's grandmother told him, 'In every situation, do the best you can and hope will take care of the rest.' Although the speaker didn't understand it at first, this advice became a foundational lesson in his life.

How does the speaker describe hope in the context of real life?

While hope is often defined as a feeling of expectation, the speaker believes that it is not enough on its own, especially in difficult situations. Hope serves as the first step, but it must be followed by action to lead to change.

What role does hope play in a patient's recovery, according to the speaker?

Hope is important because a hopeful patient is more likely to engage in healthy habits that aid recovery, such as following treatment plans or making lifestyle changes. While hope alone doesn't heal, it motivates positive actions that contribute to better health.

What action did the speaker take at the age of nine to support his family?

At the age of nine, the speaker began selling kerosene on the streets of Accra to help support his family, marking his first steps toward taking action based on hope.

How did the speaker's journey unfold after his early struggles in Ghana?

After facing significant challenges, the speaker earned a scholarship to play soccer at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana. He later moved to the U.S., where he received another scholarship to attend Dunn School and then to study at UCSB. Eventually, he was drafted by the Columbus Crew in 2014 to play professional soccer.

What were the two key lessons the speaker learned from his journey?

The two key lessons the speaker learned were: (1) you can achieve anything if you're willing to work hard for it, and (2) it is important to give back and help others achieve their goals once you've reached your own.

What does the speaker do now to inspire others?

The speaker now works as a soccer coach in the Santa Barbara community, inspiring children to actively pursue their dreams. Additionally, he founded the FIFA Soccer Foundation to create opportunities for orphaned children in Ghana through education and sports.

What is the speaker's perspective on hope as it relates to achieving goals?

The speaker believes that hope is not just a passive feeling but an action. To achieve a goal, one must actively work toward it, whether it is through dedication, teamwork, or continuous improvement. Hope must be coupled with effort to be effective.

How can someone apply hope in a practical situation, like wanting to play on the best sports team?

To apply hope in a practical situation, one must ask themselves: Are they willing to work hard? Are they a team player? Are they committed to learning and improving? Hope is the motivation that drives action, which is necessary to achieve goals like making a top sports team.