#SMED 11
It all started more than ten years ago when I saw a photo in the Cape Argus
Was it destiny? Was it co-incidence? What was the universe trying to tell me?
Today I still cannot explain why I was the fortunate one – but nine months after seeing the photo, I was tasked by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to manage the full educational and marketing strategy of Themba Edutrain. A milestone indeed as this flagship project between Metrorail in collaboration the WCED was the first school-on-wheels in South Africa
Over the years I have come to accept that life throws these wonderful opportunities my way. Jokingly my sisters and I would say it must be family members who have passed on who are behind it all - in their heavenly boardroom meetings they’ve obviously strategised that Daphne is up to the task. In the case of the Edutrain they actually sent back-up support too via a living brother to provide educational guidance!
Another strange phenomena occurred way back in 2000. I did not realize it then, only years later when the 2010 Soccer World Cup became a buzz word, colleagues, family and friends picked up on the co-incidence – the last four digits of my cellphone number ends with ‘2010.’
I mention this as another example of life’s mysteries – ten years before the biggest event on African soil I acquire a ‘2010’ cellphone number. Post-World Cup and the rest is history….. I conceptualized and presented World Cup workshops to Metrorail customer service staff in Cape Town , Durban and Port Elizabeth
Although I might have created the impression that I wait for life to throw opportunities at me, in reality I am constantly evolving through reading, studying and seeking ways to do new and interesting projects.
To this end, I have already completed studies for my third career path- travel and tourism – which will kick in once I have retired. I must add that it is still many, many moons away. Everyone also knows at exactly 09h00 on day one of my retirement I will be walking into the dance studio to start my dance classes. Fred Astaire move over – Daphne’s in the house!
I enjoy listening to a wide selection of music, ranging classical, Broadway, Jazz etc. (http://daphne-kayster.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-bach-to-broadway.html). I am fortunate and proud to have two artistic sons (classical music and animation respectively) who keep me on my toes and informed with regard to both genres.
I have a reputation for not being the best cook on the block – have two signature dishes at most. But strangely, it’s in the kitchen where I am at my most creative. Instead of putting together ‘sugar and spice and all things nice,’ I often find my mind stringing together concepts, ideas, sentences, paragraph – the list goes on…
As a Virgo, one of my outstanding qualities is organizing any and all activities, not matter how complex. I am highly task-orientated and completely agree with author Susan Miller when she says, “It must have been a Virgo who said ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing well.’”
People often say life begins at 40. I concur, and raise my champagne glass 100% to a small photo that changed my life completely :
- Took on a completely new study direction and career path
- Developed, honed and acquired skills I did not even know existed within
- Broadened my horizens through domestic and international travel opportunities
Lastly, Dr David Molapo’s book, ‘If you’re not growing you’re dying, is always close at hand and continuous to serve aspiration:
‘Opportunities never come to those who wait – They are captured by those who dare to attack.
The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal – The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.’
Themba Edutrain and learners
Organising is obviously your thing and also the reason our Comm Science assignment was handed in on time. Go Daphne!
ReplyDeletePhotos are memories, we have preserved. As we all know memories fade so best to keep a few pics.
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