the yes! effect - can one word change the world? yes!

have you or someone you know said yes! tell us about it!

saying yes!

submitted by our site visitors

see more and submit yours!

about christine gambito aka HappySlip

Growing up, both my parents and teachers cultivated an environment that was filled with support and ambition. They really mentored me, taking me step by step into a world that I had never imagined before. It was these two sources of support that shaped my growth and allowed me to become the person that I am today.

I have always believed that teachers play such an important role in our lives, and yet, they are still so underappreciated. When I was 13, I was extremely quiet and shy.

It wasn’t until I was in 8th grade, that my English teacher saw something special in me, and took me under her wing. She invested her time in me and mentored me, and before I knew it I was on the public speaking team. My first public speech was one that I wrote on the topic of prejudice, and I delivered it with strength and conviction that people didn’t expect from a little Filipino girl. I took first place for that speech, and when they announced my name, my teacher threw her arms in the air and screamed for me. She helped me do things that I didn’t think that I could do, and I won that award because of her belief in me.

When I think of the role my parents played in my personal development, I never really appreciated my parent’s story of having to leave the Philippines to come to the USA until I went back and visited. Being there physically helped me put into perspective the kind of courage my parents had in leaving the country where they were born and raised; essentially leaving everything they knew behind. They made these sacrifices and worked hard so that they could provide me a better education, better job prospects, and a better life. But, above and beyond these things, they empowered me to believe in my dreams. They encouraged me to follow my heart, and I hope that my life serves as testament to my parents sacrifice and commitment.

The influence my parents’ and teacher’s had in my life reaches far beyond the realm of their day to day responsibilities. They reinforced that I could be anything that I wanted. Because of their love and support, I was able to find and develop my love for speaking, acting, and performing.

Today, I like to encourage people to find their unique gift , their passion and to make it happen. You can find a practical application for whatever that passion is, but it is important to know that you would do it whether or not it is paid. It’s important to remember that it all starts with what makes you, uniquely you.

Watch Happy Slip's video here.