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Woman Is Rejected as a Flight Attendant for Being Too Short - So She Started Her Own Aviation Company
Success Stories

Woman Is Rejected as a Flight Attendant for Being Too Short - So She Started Her Own Aviation Company

When Sibongile Sambo was a little girl she would stop and watch the airplanes fly overhead as she played in the streets of her hometown, Bushbuckridge, South Africa.She dreamt that someday, she would fly too. She decided to pursue a career in aviation. However, after being rejected by multiple airlines for not measuring up, literally — she was too short to be a flight attendant — it seemed like it wasn't meant to be.But rather than give up, she dug in. And her dream? Took flight.Today she is the founder and CEO of SRS (Sibongile Rejoice Sambo) Aviation and made history doing it. Sibongile Sambo Flies Into the History BooksSambo is used to hearing the word "No." She doesn't let it stop her. After failing her first year of University in Accounting, her advisors begged her to switch to nursing or teaching. Sambo refused."I said I'd rather stay at home if that was the case. Then I decided to register in a B.Admin in industrial psychology and political science," she told eNCA.She aced her classes, graduated, and worked in Human Resources for seven years. But she wasn't happy and still, in the back of her mind was that desire to pursue her passion.In 2004, she finally decided to go for it. She quit her job and bid on a contract supplying cargo transport for the South African government. There was just one not-so-minor catch. She needed an airplane. Despite having zero experience in aviation and no collateral, she refused to be grounded. Rejected by financiers, she sold her house and car and used her mother's and aunt's pensions to buy a Russian plane. "I never thought about losing," she said of risking it all. "For me, this was the beginning of a winning game...I was just fired up with passion seeing this dream becoming a reality.""That voice inside me, that spiritual voice that says 'You will make it,' that is what I listened to."Sibongile SamboThe voice was right. Against overwhelming odds, Sambo bought the plane for $800,000, managed to obtain an Air Operating Certificate from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), AND won the government contract. The Sky's the LimitBreaking into the male-dominated industry has been a turbulent ride. But not only did Sambo break into the industry, she broke the glass ceiling. SRS Aviation is "the first, and only, fully empowered, Black women-owned and operated airborne services business in South Africa," according to its website.The company offers professional and personalized flight options including VIP charter, air cargo charter, tourist transfers, medical evacuations, aerial photography, and general air security services.Additionally, it is also the African distributor of new and overhauled aircraft spare parts for the commercial, commuter, corporate, Military, and Cargo Aerospace Industries. And in 2020, it inherited a technical training school. In recognition of her impressive achievements, Sambo has scored multiple awards over the years, including the Black Woman in Business Awards, Impumelelo Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and she was also named a "Leader of Tomorrow" by Fortune Magazine.And Sambo is nowhere done yet. The entrepreneur, international speaker, and Fortune 500 mentor continues to chart new heights and recently graduated with her MBA from the University of Pretoria.See Your Own Dreams Take FlightBeyond her professional accomplishments, Sambo remains deeply committed to empowering women in aviation. As a staunch advocate for gender equality, she has championed initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in the industry and she has helped numerous women get their pilot licenses.For any other little girl looking to the skies, or to anyone dreaming big, Sambo has this advice:"I would say to that little girl, 'My young girl, the sky is not even the limit, you can do it. If you have a dream don't let it die. Keep the spirit going. Keep that dream alive. Do something about it, don't procrastinate, don't sit back.'" "Don't listen to those negative voices that will tell you that you can't make it. If somebody tells you you can't do it, tell them that I can. You can reach the skies, you can reach your goals and go for it."Sibongile Sambo More from Goalcast:Woman Sits Next to Pregnant Stranger on Flight – Ends Up Adopting Her Newborn BabyConfused 94-Year-Old Passenger Holds up Flight – Then One Man Stepped In and Gave up His First-Class SeatMom of 3 Is Overwhelmed Taking Care of Her 3 Kids Alone on Flight – Until a Guardian Angel Comes to the Rescue

Woman Cleans Beautiful Home for 4 Decades - Little Did She Know, Her Own Daughter Would Buy It Years Later
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Woman Cleans Beautiful Home for 4 Decades - Little Did She Know, Her Own Daughter Would Buy It Years Later

Not everyone can afford to purchase a home, let alone their dream home. But for one woman in Albuquerque, New Mexico, getting the title to her perfect residence was a lifelong journey — one that started when she was just a little girl.A Special HouseGrowing up, Nichol Naranjo was used to going with her mom, Margaret Gaxiola, to work. Her mom cleaned houses to foot the bills, and the houses she cleaned were much more impressive to Naranjo than the small apartment she and her family shared.One home in particular always stuck out though: a 3,000-square-foot, mid-century home that was stuffed with European antiques and featured an interior courtyard. Naranjo was in awe of the house and everything in it, and would sit under a desk in the library on those Friday afternoons when her mom cleaned.“I could see her wandering room to room, just dreaming about everything in here,” Gaxiola told The New York Times of her daughter’s love for the property.A Special FriendshipEventually, the home became much more to Naranjo. Gaxiola and the home’s owner, Pamela Key-Linden, grew closer as the years wore on. Both women went through divorces and lost people they loved, which helped them to bond even more.At one point, Key-Linden began bringing home trinkets for Naranjo and her sister after trips and wrapping presents for them at Christmas. She’d stock the house with their favorite treats. When the homeowner married for a second time, both girls and their mom were invited to the wedding.“We went into many homes because of my mom’s cleaning,” Naranjo told the publication. “I was able to observe different lifestyles and personalities. No one was like Pam. Pam became like family.”Passing on the HouseIn 2018, Key-Linden died. Gaxiola continued cleaning the house until the following year, when the woman’s second husband, Richard Linden, also passed. At that point, Gaxiola had been cleaning the house for 43 years, so it was hard to turn over her keys to the estate.“That was heartbreaking, and I thought, 'That was half of my life, too,'” Gaxiola said. “I was saying goodbye. This was not a house to clean. It was a second home to come and enjoy.”Shortly after Gaxiola stopped cleaning the house, she learned that the estate planned on selling it. She immediately called her daughter to deliver the news. At the time, Naranjo and her husband had been looking at homes in the neighborhood. Her husband worked in cybersecurity and Naranjo, inspired by the items within the home she loved so much, had gone into design.They contacted the estate and expressed their interest in not only the home but all of its contents. Roughly a year later, due to COVID restrictions, the house was theirs. They had acquired it and nearly everything within it for $472,000.“My whole family's fingerprint is on this home. It was so emotional,” she said. “We've seen some hard times in our life. This was always a place to come and catch our breath. And to dream.”Dare to DreamWe don’t always get the things we dream about in life, but sometimes we do. That’s why this story is so inspiring: growing up, Naranjo had no reason to think that she would one day be the owner of the home she loved so much. But she wasn’t afraid to dream, and when the opportunity presented itself decades later, she jumped on it.It’s a nice reminder for all of us that there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big or hoping for more. Sure, life can bring us down, and there’s a good chance we won't ever be able to achieve all of the things we want. But having a goal to pursue and a purpose in life can also drive us in unexpected and meaningful ways.So dream about that big house, that expensive car, that beautiful baby, or the much-needed trip. One day, those dreams you keep on dreaming may just manifest themselves after all.More from Goalcast:Homeless Student Nurse Couch Surfs to Survive–but Christmas Came Early When She Wins $6M Home in Lottery Man Saves Up For A Year And Surprises Wife With Key To Dream HomeHomeless Man’s Biggest Dream Is to Not Die Alone on the Streets – So a Stranger Raises $20,000 to Get Him a Home

Single Mom With 5 Kids Works 20 Hours a Day - Brings Them to an Airbnb for a Surprise That Makes Them Scream
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Single Mom With 5 Kids Works 20 Hours a Day - Brings Them to an Airbnb for a Surprise That Makes Them Scream

The holidays are a time for family and gathering, but they can also be a difficult time for some people. Single mom Kimaada Ellison knew her five kids were having a hard time without a proper house of their own, particularly with the holidays approaching. So she put one foot in front of the other with the ultimate goal: surprising her kids with a new home for the holidays.Hard TimesOne day, Ellison’s partner of 22 years left her and their five children unexpectedly. It not only left them brokenhearted, but the family lost their home as a result. On her own, Ellison could not afford to pay for the house, and for a while, the entire family had to live in other people’s basements just to keep a roof over their heads.Eventually, after a lot of hard work, Ellison was able to save up for a small, two-bedroom home. It obviously wasn’t big enough for the family but it was theirs, and they made due.Ellison knew she could do better for her kids though, so she set a plan in motion: save up enough money to purchase a bigger home that would be big enough for herself and her five kids.Working OvertimeIt was an ambitious plan, and it wasn’t easy to come up with the money. Ellison had been working towards being a school principal, and she put her education on hold. Instead, she continued working as a teacher and took on side jobs.She got a part-time job with Amazon and began braiding hair for extra cash. She’d work 20 hours every day at her three jobs while still looking after her kids. The idea that she could get them a better home kept her motivated.“I’m not going to say it’s fun, but I just kept thinking about the end result,” Ellison said in a video via Happily. “I re-established my relationship with God, prayed for grit and endurance, and haven’t looked back since then.”An Epic RevealFinally, the day came when Ellison was able to afford the home of her dreams. She told her kids that she had rented an Airbnb that was similar to their old house, where they could get ready for the holidays and bake cookies.When the kids got inside, they saw a framed family photo and wondered how it got there. In the video, Ellison asked her kids if they liked the house.“What if I told you, you could stay forever?” she asked. “What if I told you this is why I’ve been working all this time?”At first, the kids didn’t believe their mom. Then, when they realized they were in their new home, they began screaming with sheer joy. Ellison gave them a tour and showed them their rooms, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were downright contagious.“It’s always easy to give up, but what are you teaching your kids? They hear what you say, for sure. But, most importantly, they are watching what you do,” Ellison said.Following Your DreamEllison herself added that it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams.“It doesn’t mean it will be an easy trek along the journey, and Lord knows you can’t predict all of the twists and turns you encounter or the trials and tribulations you face, but through it all don’t quit,” the mother said.It’s good advice that all of us could use, especially when things get rough. As we head into the new year and begin thinking about all of the things we want to accomplish in the months ahead, it’s important to write down our goals and dreams and think about how we’re going to stick to them.Check in with yourself every once in a while and remind yourself that no one is perfect. But if you can stop to remember why you set those goals for yourself and who you’re ultimately pursuing them for, you may find all the motivation you need to keep going — even when times get tough.More from Goalcast:Man Who Bought His Homeless Friend a Coffee Every Week Gets a Surprise From Him – But Then He Finds Out the TruthSingle Mom Cleans Four Bedroom Home Then Told She Gets to Keep It – Later She Finds Out It Was A “Prank”Single Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness – So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a Plan

Man Shows Up to a Pub to Play a Gig - Bumps Into a Famous Musician Who Helps Him Buy a Home
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Man Shows Up to a Pub to Play a Gig - Bumps Into a Famous Musician Who Helps Him Buy a Home

Gregor Hunter Coleman received the gift of a lifetime.Pursuing your dreams isn’t always easy, particularly for artists and musicians. Creating and inspiring others may be in your soul, but these types of gigs don’t always pay the bills. That’s why this story of rapper Post Malone helping out a struggling artist has touched so many people: it’s the ultimate story of an artist giving back.A Random MeetingEarlier this year in May, Post Malone was in Glasgow for a show stop on his Twelve Carat tour. He wandered into a pub, where he met a local artist named Gregor Hunter Coleman. The 30-year-old had been performing at the bar that night, and Malone was impressed. He asked if he could buy Coleman a drink.That’s when Malone learned that Coleman had stopped drinking so that he could save his money for a house. Once he had his own kitchen and a fridge, he’d stock it with beer.The artist had enjoyed the performance, and he wanted to do something, though, so he asked if Coleman would consider playing at his concert afterparty.“He started saying, how much will you charge? I said nothing, it's Post Malone, this is the chance of a lifetime,” Coleman later recalled to the BBC.A Sweet OfferColeman didn’t want to take money for the gig, but Malone wasn’t going to have him perform for free, either. So, he offered to pay part of the deposit on the home that Coleman had his eye on.“He offered to help me out with my deposit so I could have more time to focus on music, which I thought was wild,” he told STV. “I’d always heard stories that he was a really nice guy.”The aspiring musician didn’t reveal how much Malone ultimately gave him for his house, but he did say that they exchanged phone numbers. Coleman also posted about the encounter on Instagram.“I never thought whilst heading out the door with my guitar on Friday night for my gig at Wunderbar Glasgow that I’d meet Post Malone and have such a life-changing experience,” he wrote. “The hours spent with this gent chatting and jamming was life-changing in itself, not to mention what followed. This could be my time to hit the ground running.”Following the DreamColeman never expected a musician to show up at his gig that night, and if he did, he certainly didn’t think a well-known figure would like his music and offer him a gig. However, if Coleman hadn’t been pursuing his music while saving for his future, this encounter would have never happened.It’s an important reminder that if you feel like you’re meant to perform or create art, you should find a way to do exactly that. Yes, most of us have bills to pay and responsibilities in life, but carving out time for your passion is also important.Not all celebrities are known to be as nice and generous as Post Malone. But sometimes it’s the breaks we don’t see coming that impact us most of all. So keep one foot in front of the other and carry on. Because in life, you never truly know what might happen next.More from Goalcast:Post Malone Trades Shoes With a Fan at His Concert in Heartwarming Gesture That’s Gone ViralYoung Boy Walks Up to Keanu Reeves and Makes One Simple Request – His Response Makes Headlines5 Incredible Times The Rock Inspired Us to Become the Best Versions of Ourselves

Angry Neighbors Try to Shut Down Boys Hot Dog Stand But Help Comes From an Unexpected Source
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Angry Neighbors Try to Shut Down Boys Hot Dog Stand But Help Comes From an Unexpected Source

Like many kids his age, 13-year-old Jaequan Faulkner wanted to have his own money to spend. He could have asked for a weekly allowance. He could have saved up his birthday money. But Jaequan wanted to earn that money — and he had an idea. The entrepreneurial young man set up a hot dog stand in front of his house.Most neighbours encouraged the boy. They commended him on his work ethic. They bought his hot dogs and wished him success. Even the local police, out on the streets of Jaequan’s neighborhood in Minneapolis, stopped by for hot dogs. After talking to the young teen, they learned that his efforts were not just to make some pocket change. He also insisted that he wanted to learn what it takes to operate a small business. The officers were impressed and shared Jaequan’s story on social media, encouraging others to support the boy.That’s when 'Mr. Faulkner’s Old Fashion Hot Dogs' became the talk of the town. The little hot dog stand suddenly got very busy. “I didn’t think it would go this far,” admits his uncle, “but I saw that he was very serious about getting started.”But Not Everyone Wanted Him to SucceedDeane BayasBut as quickly as customers poured in to support the young entrepreneur, calls were made to the city to denounce young Jaequan as operating against the law. After all, Jaequan didn’t have a permit.To every adult that once put up a lemonade stand in their childhood, that complaint might seem silly. But city officials had to take it seriously. Any food stand has to have a permit. Permits regulate where such food trucks, carts and stands can be located. They also help control for sanitary conditions and safe food handling.Still, the Minneapolis Environmental Health Director, Dan Huff, did not want to shut down Jaequan’s hot dog stand — and the boy’s dream. Instead, Huff saw it as a learning opportunity. “Let’s turn this situation around and help him become a legitimate business owner,” Huff said.The Little Hot Dog Stand That CouldThat’s when Jaequan’s dream really did come true.Huff helped the boy learn what it really takes to run a business. The director and his team pooled their own money to purchase a 10-day permit for Jaequan’s hot dog stand. They helped the boy set up a tent over his table to protect himself and his customers from the elements. They provided the boy with meat thermometers and showed him how to ensure that the hot dogs he was selling were safe for human consumption. Finally, they set Jaequan up with a hand-washing station and explained the guidelines for safe food handling.Now, the young owner-operator of 'Mr. Faulkner’s Old Fashion Hot Dogs' was running a real business. The phone calls to denounce Jaequan’s small business suddenly stopped coming in. Instead, other community organizations took notice and stepped in to make sure Jaequan’s hot dog stand, like many small businesses, didn’t fizzle out in its first year.The Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), a nonprofit organization, offered coaching to the boy on all aspects of operating a business, from setting prices to attracting new customers to growing the business. Now, Jaequan has a proper food cart, signage and even a uniform.Hot Dogs and HappinessWhile the business seems to be taking off and the money continues to roll in, Jaequan remains humble and customer-focused. “When I see someone passing by with a frown, and I can turn that into a smile just by selling them a hot dog, that’s my reward.”The support from the community has given Jaequan’s fledgling business new wings. The young teen is more determined than ever to make his business succeed, now that he knows his community is behind him. “Can’t nobody stop you but you!” He exclaims with a big smile.When his hot dog stand was denounced to city officials, they had a choice to make. They could abide by the strict letter of the law and shut it down, or they could help the boy bring it to code. They could squash his dream or they could support it.The permit was just the beginning. It will expire, but when it does, Jaequan already has his calendar filled with new locations that have offered to host him, from the local police station to a church. Jaequan’s community wants to see its newest entrepreneur succeed.“You come out here, he’s got a smile on his face every day,” says a local police officer who works with Bike Cops for Kids. “We love this kid.”Indeed, it seems that everyone does.More from Goalcast:Woman Helps Group of Motorcyclists Who Got Into an Accident – A Year Later, They Show Up at Her Daughter’s Lemonade StandBrave Employee Is Fired After He Stands Up to the Thieves Who Stole From His Store – Outraged Strangers Have the Best ResponseWoman Finds Worn Out Paper She Can’t Understand – Turns to an Unlikely Source to Decipher a Piece of Family History

Poor 84-Year-Old Street Vendor Has Had One Dream for Decades - Wakes Up at 4:30 A.M Every Day to Fulfill It
Success Stories

Poor 84-Year-Old Street Vendor Has Had One Dream for Decades - Wakes Up at 4:30 A.M Every Day to Fulfill It

If you think you're too old to follow your dreams, you might want to think again...For decades, Felipe Espinosa Tecuapetla dreamt of becoming an engineer. And finally, at the ripe young age of 84, the street vendor's dream has come true. How a Poor Street Vendor Beat the Odds and Realized His DreamFelipe's life was marked by hardships from the beginning. Born into a poverty-stricken family in Puebla, Mexico, he began working as a young child.Throughout the years, he took on a number of different jobs, including construction, fieldwork, and enlisting in the army. For the past few years, he's been a street vendor, selling fruit and vegetables at local markets.A widower of 20 years with five children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, it was his eldest son, an engineer himself, who inspired Felipe to finally put himself — and his dreams — first.But while his son may be his inspiration, it's Felipe who is his family's true source of inspiration.His granddaughter, Erika Pozos Espinosa, told the media: “I am very fortunate to have such a living example. I don’t think anyone else has a grandfather who graduated from college at that age. He’s a source of inspiration.”“It seems incredible to me that at his age, he doesn’t want to waste a single moment of his life,” she added.Felipe was 79 years old when he made the leap and registered as the oldest-ever student at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. His university journey, like his life, wasn't an easy one. He woke up every day at 4:30 AM to attend classes, taking two buses and traveling up to two hours back and forth. He was the first to arrive on campus and the last one to leave. Additionally, he had to teach himself how to use a computer. All while continuing to sell chiles, tomatoes, onions, lemons, and more at the Tepeaca market. Despite the obstacles, his studies were an incredible time for him and he excelled. What the Octogenarian Has to Say About Following His DreamsAfter five years of study, Felipe completed his degree in process and industrial management engineering.And in a sweet moment of victory captured on video, he was finally, after a lifetime of dreaming, able to ring the university's congratulatory bell.The feat was shared by the BUAP’s president, Dr. Lilia Cedillo Ramírez, on social media. She captioned it: "Don Felipe received his university degree. At the age of 86 he has been an example for everyone and today he concludes another stage in his professional education. We are soooo proud of him. Much success!"And now that he's conquered one dream, he has no plans of stopping. His next step is to start a master's degree. And he's also studying English so that one day he can fulfill another dream — visiting NASA.So how did he do it? The graduate told his university, “self-improvement” was his driving force. (And a whole lot of perseverance). “Overcoming anything is all in the mind, the mind is an incredible thing.”Felipe Espinosa TecuapetlaHe also believes that it truly is never too late, saying, “It is never too late to continue in life. Life is only once, the rest ends when we leave. I beg you, I ask all the young people and all of us, to give it a try." He's not wrong. Life is too short not to be living our dreams. Even if it takes a lifetime (or 80 years or so) to realize them. More from Goalcast:Superbowl Champion Jerome Bettis Never Got His College Degree – So He Goes Back to School to Make Mom ProudEncouraged By Students, School Bus Driver Gets College Degree He Always WantedMom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College – Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream School

Struggling Single Mom Forced to Drop Her Studies - Then, Her Sons Secret Plan Gives Her Something She Wasnt Expecting
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Struggling Single Mom Forced to Drop Her Studies - Then, Her Sons Secret Plan Gives Her Something She Wasnt Expecting

Rui Da Silva’s mother Elnete worked hard for him and his sibling to have a good upbringing in the UK. Now, Da Silva wanted to do the same for her.One Son Wanted to Give His Mom What She Gave HimElnete was working as a dinner lady in London. Da Silva, a youth worker and music producer, told BuzzFeed News that his mother had been cooking for most of her life and had always wanted to study. “Coming from West Africa, formal education is of a certain importance,” he said. “But since coming to England, as a single mother, the opportunity to study has been out of reach."Da Silva said his mother was studying a dental nursing course when they first moved to the UK. But his father had died when he was five and his younger sister was one and his mother had to drop her studies.In 2013, his mother survived a battle with breast cancer. "Post her battle, she found serenity with cooking. So while some had comfort food, my mum had comfort cooking," Da Silva said.Then Elnete was given an unconditional offer from the University of West London to study professional cookery. Da Silva said she was over the moon; but she had to gain a level 2 NVQ before she could study as an undergraduate, and was disappointed to learn that she was not eligible for financial support.How a Son Supported His Mom’s Dreams for an EducationDa Silva was determined to help his mother go to university despite this obstacle. "I spent weeks searching for funds, grants, loans, but came to realise that GoFundMe is the best choice," he said.So he secretly sets up a GoFundMe page and writes: Born and raised in Sao Tome eating Jackfruit for breakfast. Catching and cooking fish for dinner. Moving to Portugal, sampling a range Afro-Portuguese food. Living in England, cooking culturally English food at work. Feeding the family with a beautiful amalgamation of Afro-Portuguese-British food. Countless attempts at appropriating every recipe she can get her hands on. Later catering to her son’s vegetarian diet for the last 3-4 years. My mother’s palette is vast, rich and still, for her, not vast enough.With 164 donations, the campaign raised £2,505 raised of £2,000 goal and many left encouraging comments for the mother.“Wow...what an amazing son you are! I hope your mum enjoys following her dreams. Thanks for making me smile by being awesome!” one donor wrote.“Good Luck!!! Moms are super heroes and your mom certainly deserves to go on her next adventure!” another one wrote."I think she’ll feel a sense of control over her life. Working for many years to pay the bills, at a workplace that doesn’t cater to her creativity. I think being in university would really fuel her to get creative and embrace her self-value as a capable individual."More from Goalcast:Mom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College – Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream SchoolMother of 7 Graduates College as Valedictorian After 10 Years – A Note From Her Daughter Helped Her Overcome Various Hurdles

Dwayne Johnson Learns Struggling UFC Fighter Sleeps in the Gym - Then, Tells Him a Lie That Brings Him to His Knees
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Dwayne Johnson Learns Struggling UFC Fighter Sleeps in the Gym - Then, Tells Him a Lie That Brings Him to His Knees

Up-and-coming UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo was in Zimbabwe when he heard the news that Dwayne Johnson wanted to interview him. He was so excited. Little did he know that the interview was just a guise for the gift that Johnson really wanted to give him.Gorimbo is a young, talented fighter. After he lost his first fight in Africa, he knew he had to come to Miami to train. He begged and pleaded with the powers that be until he was granted a place to call “home”: a couch in the corner of a gym where he could crash at night after a long day of training.Far from his home and family, Gorimbo is nonetheless determined to achieve his dreams. A piece of paper, titled “My Reason” is taped to the wall across from the couch where he sleeps at night. It reads, in part, “I fight for my kids’ smiles; I fight for hope and change; I fight for those who believe in me; I fight for my village.”Always Thinking of OthersPhoto by Anna ShvetsGorimbo was fighting for his village the day he received a text that Dwayne Johnson wanted to meet him. “I did not sleep that night, if I have to be honest,” said Gorimbo with a huge grin.He was in his village in Zimbabwe and had just finished drilling the borehole that would provide his community with clean water. He had scrimped and saved every penny he had earned in Miami to make the lives of his friends and family back home just a little bit better. After winning his second fight, he even sold his equipment to make that happen. With just $7 left in his account, he posted his story on social media. Despite the insecurity of it all, he was ready to keep going, ready to go back to Miami and keep working hard so that he could one day bring his family over and achieve his dreams.Dwayne Johnson saw Gorimbo’s story and it hit home. He, too, had once been a young fighter with just $7 left in his back account. He reached out to Gorimbo via Twitter: “Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch.”Encouragement Just When He Needed It MostThe upcoming interview with Dwayne Johnson made the goodbyes in Zimbabwe a little more bearable. Back at the gym, he sat down for an initial interview as Johnson snuck in a side door, walking up behind Gorimbo and surprising him in mid sentence. The young fighter jumped up and gave Johnson a big hug. He was emotional just meeting Johnson in person.Gorimbo didn’t know what to expect, but with Johnson there right in front of him, he must have felt a heady mixture of excitement and relief. The two swapped stories, and Gorimbo showed Johnson the corner of the gym where he slept at night. He told Johnson about his dream to be a UFC champion and how he was working hard every single day.Johnson eventually told Gorimbo that he had a flight to catch — but before he did, he wanted to introduce Gorimbo to a friend who lived in Miami, a friend with connections who could help him navigate the fighting world of Miami. Thankful for any help he could get, Gorimbo followed Johnson to a large, beautiful house on the water.UFC Fighter Is in for a Big SurpriseOf course, there was no friend. But Gorimbo didn’t know this yet. He followed Johnson through the immaculate house as Johnson convincingly called out for his “friend.” Finally, Johnson pulled out his cell phone and told Gorimbo to check out the framed photos on the desk.As Johnson pretended to make a phone call, Gorimbo’s mouth fell open in surprise: these were photos of him and his family! He turned to Johnson for an explanation. Johnson grinned and handed Gorimbo a set of keys. “Welcome home,” he said.The gift brought Gorimbo to his knees. Johnson told the young UFC fighter that now he didn’t have to worry about anything except winning fights and getting his family over to Miami.“It’s crazy what can happen when you are able to tell your story, who you can touch, who you can inspire,” gushed Gorimbo. He says that Johnson’s help has inspired him even more to become a champion.“I will work hard, trust me,” Gorimbo reassured Johnson. “I will become a champion. Trust me. You can shake my hand on it. I will become a champion.”How Dwayne Johnson Inspired a Man With His GenerosityJohnson counts it as “a privilege and a pleasure to finally meet” Gorimbo. He himself is inspired by the young UFC fighter, his work ethic and how he gives everything he has to others.“Now there’s no more couch sleeping,” he told Gorimbo. “This is your house. Now you can bring your kids here. Bring your family.” Johnson even filled the closet with workout gear and the kitchen with food.Gorimbo was so touched by Johnson’s generosity that he made a gesture of his own. He told the celebrity that all the money he had been saving to buy a house, he was now going to use it to drill another well in his village: “I’m going to build it because we need another one.”“I really appreciate you,” Gorimbo added. Johnson nodded, and on the back porch of Gorimbo’s new house, he gave a toast.“Cheers to always taking care of people.”More from Goalcast:15-Year-Old Dwayne Johnson Saved His Mom From Taking Her Own Life – And It’s A Moment He Will Never Forget12-Year-Old Reaches Hotel to Have Lunch – Is Shocked to Find Out Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Has Taken on a “New Job”Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson Turns Down People’s Choice Award – What He Does Next Is Unexpected

No One Pays Attention to Defeated Author at His Own Book Launch - Little Did He Know a Stranger Was About to Change His Life Overnight
Uplifting News

No One Pays Attention to Defeated Author at His Own Book Launch - Little Did He Know a Stranger Was About to Change His Life Overnight

Popular social media platform TikTok isn't all dances and comedy skits. As we have documented here before, audiences on TikTok are capable of rallying together in impactful and positive ways to change the lives of others. One such story involves an obscure author, Shawn Warner. When video of Warner at a book launch was shared to TikTok, he had no idea what would follow, and how his life would change. A random passerby thought that Warner looked defeated at the book signing, where many were walking past the budding author, paying him little attention. Why an Author Looked “Defeated” at His Book LaunchIn a video, shared above, Warner sits behind a small table, with copies of his most recent book spread out in front of him. The TikTok user who engaged with Shawn wrote, "I was just shopping when I noticed this man trying to promote his new book. I honestly don't even read books nowadays. But something just told me to get a couple." He also noticed that the author seemed "defeated" and knew he could use a little encouragement. He told Warner that he makes TikTok videos, and that he would buy the book and share it to his page. “OK, I won’t say no,” Warner laughed, not thinking much of the exchange. However the video soon blew up. After accumulating more than 5 million views, Warner's book was catapulted to success, entering the bestseller list on Amazon. The video marks a long path for the budding author, who has had a love for writing almost his whole life. He wrote his first adventure story when he was just four years old. However, once his two children entered university, he decided to dedicate his attention to writing full-time. He published his first complete novel, Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor, in November last year. “It’s about a teenage girl who teams up with a ghost with multiple personalities to solve the mystery of her parents murder,” he explained.Just six months after publishing the book, it became a huge success thanks to the help of users on TikTok, who rallied behind Warner. He was justifiably in shock. “The love and the kindness on the video is totally unexpected,” he responded in his own TikTok video. "You'd think as a writer I'd have words for it, but I don't," he added.“I’m in shock. I don’t even know what to say about it at the moment. I’m trying to wrap my head around it.”How One Man Proved the Importance of PerseveranceEmbracing the platform, he now posts to an account titled "shawnwwrites" where he promotes his work and engages with his newfound audience. He admits that there was a "lull in sales" before the video, and that the reaction to the initial TikTok changed the entire trajectory of his career. More important than financial success, however, has been the encouragement and support he feels from strangers all over the globe. Warner admitted that, growing up, people had always told him he could never make money from writing -- and he unfortunately believed them. Now, he is proving them all wrong and doing what he loves. Sadly, this story is all too common -- one of children with big dreams being discouraged. For anyone, a little support goes a long way, and at some point we all need to be told to pursue our passions, and that it really is possible to do what we love. It is remarkable to think about how many people like Shawn are out there pursuing their own dreams, whatever they may be, and how serendipitously success can find us. Platforms like TikTok, and the internet as a whole, enable a newfound scale of discoverability -- and showcase stories like this to unfold for all to see. While not everyone goes viral on the platform and becomes an overnight success, the abundance of stories such as this one can still encourage those watching to persevere. The outpouring of support has no doubt confirmed to Shawn that he is on the right path, and might encourage another young dreamer somewhere in the world to pursue their own passion. The importance of this type of encouragement cannot be understated, and truly has a ripple effect. Let Shawn Warner, and his perseverance, be a reminder to us all of how important it is to believe in both ourselves and in others. More from Goalcast:Young Woman Who Can’t Afford University Decides to Go to Community College Instead – Then She Opens a Letter That Changes EverythingJudge Calls Single Mom “Irresponsible” for Her 14 Parking Tickets – Then She Made a Plea That Changed His MindMom Disappears From Her 6-Year-Old Daughter’s Life – Then, One Unexpected Call Changes Everything

Margot Robbie Vowed She Would Pay Her Mom Back for What She Did Early on in Her Career - And She Kept Her Promise
Uplifting News

Margot Robbie Vowed She Would Pay Her Mom Back for What She Did Early on in Her Career - And She Kept Her Promise

The world is watching Margot Robbie right now. The Barbie star has been making headlines for her killer Barbie red carpet looks and for her role in the history-making film. But it wasn’t always fame and fortune for the 33-year-old star. In fact, growing up in Australia, things were hard for Robbie and her mom.Supporting a DreamLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Cast and filmmakers light up London pink to celebrate the European Premiere of Barbie, in cinemas 21 July. At London Eye on July 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)Growing up, Robbie always knew she wanted to act. She was only in Grade 12 when she broke the news to her mom, Sarie Kessler, according to Vogue Australia. Robbie’s mom was shocked because her daughter was so good at school.Kessler was also worried that it would be hard to be an actor and make a good living, plus they had a big family to support, including three siblings. “We had to figure things out and work through the difficulties of having tight budgets,” Kessler told the publication.Still, she was intent on supporting her daughter. Robbie wasn’t successful overnight, either. Early on in her career, she would rely on her mom to help keep her afloat. Sometimes, that meant her mom would take money from her mortgage."I have that piece of paper still. I kept it. Everything I owed my mom, I had it written down."Margot RobbieRobbie kept track of all the times her mother helped her, though, and knew that one day she would pay her back.“She’d take money out of the house mortgage and lend me money, so I always knew, ‘Oh, I’ve got to pay that back,’” she told CBS Sunday Morning. Paying It BackEventually, though, Robbie did make it big. When she was 17 years old, she started out with a part in the popular Aussie soap Neighbours. It took a few years from there, but when Robbie was 22, she landed a game-changing role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street.From there, she got parts in The Legend of Tarzan, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and The Suicide Squad, and she also started her own production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.Now, she’s known globally as Barbie, a role that came with a $12.5 million payday."Honestly, anyone in my position, you'd do that for your mom. Of course, you would."Margot RobbieThe first thing Robbie did when she hit it big? She paid every single cent back to her mom.“One day, when I made enough money, I just paid that whole mortgage off completely,” Robbie told CBS. “I was like, 'Mom, don't even worry about that mortgage anymore. It doesn't even exist anymore. Honestly, anyone in my position, you'd do that for your mom. Of course, you would.”Supporting the People You LoveThis story is incredibly moving because it just goes to show you how important it can be for a parent to support their child’s dream. Imagine that Robbie’s mother hadn’t done what she did for her daughter. Robbie probably wouldn’t have gone on to play the world’s most famous doll.It’s a nice reminder to all of us that even though you may not relate to someone else’s dream, it’s always important to support those you love however you can. Showing faith and trust in the people you love can be the thing they need in order to keep going, especially when things get rough.Not all of us can put our finances on the line in these kinds of circumstances, but we can be supportive in other ways. Take these dreams seriously. Ask questions. Be a cheerleader. And don’t be the one to squash their hope. There are plenty of other people out there who can do that for you. As a loved one, our job is to just be there.More from Goalcast:21-Year-Old Receives His First Paycheck – Uses It to Completely Pay Off His Parents’ Mortgage for ChristmasDeaf Son Brings Mom To Tears By Using His Savings To Secretly Pay Off Her MortgageSon Brings Parents To Tears By Revealing He Secretly Paid Off Their Mortgage