Diary Entry
One Person, One Moment, A Lifetime of Change
One App,
Many Uses
Today, I pause to reflect on the winding road that has brought me here, sometimes steep, sometimes smooth, occasionally overwhelming, but always purposeful. I remember the shy young woman who once doubted whether she had the strength to lead, to build, to create something meaningful. Growing up, I often felt small in a world that seemed too big for me. Yet, in the quiet corners of my heart, a dream persisted, waiting for the right moment to take root.
For me, that moment came at age 34. Until then, I had been moving, working, and building, but not always with full awareness of my potential. I was surviving, hustling, doing what needed to be done. Age 34 became a wake-up call, a reminder that time is precious, that growth must be intentional, and that personal and professional development are inseparable.
Mid-thirties are an in-between season: you are no longer a young adult with endless chances ahead, yet you are not so far into maturity that reinvention is impossible. For me, 34 was exactly that: a season of searching, but also of finding.
What changed everything was not a multitude of voices or opportunities, but just one person. Someone who saw me, reminded me of my worth, and ignited a spark that had long been buried under doubt, exhaustion, and second-guessing. That single act of belief became the catalyst for a transformation I hadn’t known was possible. Sometimes we underestimate the power of one voice, but I now know it can redirect the course of an entire life.
That year became a mirror, forcing me to confront difficult questions: Who am I becoming? What legacy do I wish to leave? Am I truly growing, or merely moving through the motions? These reflections pushed me to invest in personal development, through prayer, mentorship, reading, and embracing opportunities that once intimidated me. I realized that growth is intentional, disciplined, and often uncomfortable, but deeply rewarding.
Simultaneously, my professional journey began to align in extraordinary ways. When I founded The Bees Hive Academy in 2016, I started with dreams but no blueprint. For years, progress was slow, setbacks frequent. But at 34, the seeds I had planted began to flourish. Enrollment grew, programs expanded, and recognition came in. A small initiative in Francistown was now holding the dreams of countless children and families.
I recognized that my personal growth and professional growth were intertwined. The more I invested in self-awareness, focus, and discipline, the stronger my leadership became. I could serve my team, advocate for families, and foster inclusion more effectively. That wake-up call was about building not only a stronger institution but a stronger me.
I learned that while external validation is powerful, the most important voice is the one within. Yes, it took one person to ignite the spark, but it was my responsibility to nurture it, keep it alive, and step boldly into spaces I once thought were too big for me.
Now, whenever I see a child gain confidence at my school, or a teacher rise into leadership, I am reminded of my own journey. I recall the moments when I needed someone to believe in me, and I strive to be that person for others. One person, one moment, can indeed change a lifetime.
Age 34 was a turning point. It was the year I stopped apologizing for dreaming big, embraced lifelong personal development, and saw the impact of perseverance in my professional path. Most importantly, it was the year I committed to rise,not just for myself, but for the countless lives intertwined with my purpose.
Life will always present seasons of doubt and struggle, but there will also be seasons of awakening. Sometimes they come quietly, sometimes like a storm. For me, it came at 34, a gentle yet firm reminder that I was made for more.
I hope my story reminds readers that transformation is possible at any stage of life. Sometimes it takes one person’s belief to unlock potential. Sometimes it takes intentional reflection, courage, and resilience to turn a dream into impact. For entrepreneurs, young leaders, and dreamers around the world, I hope my journey encourages them to trust their timing, embrace challenges, and understand that setbacks are part of growth,not the end.
Above all, I hope this diary entry inspires women, youth, and changemakers everywhere to rise with courage, build with resilience, and never underestimate the power of their own potential.
Ontifile Gaokgorwe