Leading by Example

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Elyssia is determined to set an example for her little girl.

The 18-year-old mother-to-be is starting over. She moved to a new neighborhood, and began pursuing her GED in hopes of continuing on to college. When the opportunity to become part of OBI’s Future CEOs program presented itself, Elyssia jumped on board.

In the Future CEOs program, she learned how to use eBay to conduct business—everything from managing items and sales to teamwork and customer assistance. The class also covered topics like communication, problem solving, and social responsibility.

“Having responsibility makes me feel like I am wanted because I have my own thing that I need to do,” Elyssia says. “If I don’t do my tasks, I let my group down.”

It’s an important lesson that she plans to take with her as she pursues her goal of becoming an accountant. With a head for numbers and a desire to work with people, Elyssia hopes that someday she will be able to open her own accounting firm.

Through the Future CEOs program, she says she has learned that just because someone says it can’t be done, doesn’t mean they’re right and that she can accomplish whatever she sets out to do.  It’s a lesson Elyssia plans to pass on to her daughter, when the little girl arrives in January.

“Don’t let anyone talk you out of doing what you want to do because they’re not the ones living your life. You’re the one living your life,” Elyssia says.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.