Most of us have heard of Misty Copeland and her rise to success to become the first African-American Principle Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. But how many of you have heard about Michaela DePrince?

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DePrince has an extraordinary story and journey from being an orphan in a civil war torn Sierra Leon, to becoming the youngest dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and now the only dancer of African origin at the Dutch National Ballet.

DePrince's story, much like Copeland's, is ridden with story's of discrimination. But somehow a dream was born in an orphanage, when she didn't even know what the image of a ballerina she'd seen was. All she knew was that the image of a ballerina represented her future. This in spite of people telling her she would never be adopted because of her vitiligo skin condition.  

This extraordinary story is captured in a book she co-authored with her mom last year, "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina," whose film rights where purchased by MGM this year. Definitely looking forward to see that.

The power of someone believing in you is mighty powerful. Michaela's mom was shown the picture of a ballerina, and knew what her daughter was trying to convey, and went to work. Believing in yourself is important, but so is having someone in your corner for those days and moments when you feel weary, and feel like giving up. That's why people have mentors and join Masterminds, to get likeminded people and supporters root you on, and direct you to your success. 

In the video above DePrince shares that "you go through struggles in life, but there's always a positive outcome in it." No matter how bad your situation may be, there's at least one thing you thank God for. A roof over your head, your health, your child, something. Focus on that positive thing. There's a quote that says "you get what you focus on, so focus on what you want."

Pursuing your dream, no matter how impossible to the naked eye is doable through support of others coupled with your own persistence. This goes back to what I said yesterday, never give up. Lastly, here's another quote from DePrince that I want to leave with you,

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Be Blessed!