No More Role Models
I met zewiditu around the same time I began volunteering with Playtime Project. She came on as the site manager for the location I was at in 2014. The children naturally gravitated towards her because she represents the community. Last year Zewiditu, testified in front of the DC City Council’s Education Committee, regarding DC Public School’s 2017-2018 Budget. She is extremely active in her stomping grounds of Shepherd Park and always showing public support for countless community issues from Child trafficking to Art programs for the youth. A couple of years ago when I first got the idea for Water this Plant I had the honor to interview Zewiditu...
What is your definition of a role model?
A role model is someone who lives their life to service others, this person does not have to be "influential" or famous. Purpose is something that each and every one of us is blessed with, however everyone does not always tap into these potentials. Everyday that we rise, we are given an opportunity to be greater than we were the day before. The role model rises to this challenge daily.
Who were your role models growing up?
((My Nana is my role model because of her commitment to education, impeccable style and her ability to be the backbone for our entire family. From the beginning to the end, my Nana will always be someone I aspire to reflect.))
Who are your role models now?
My Nana is still my role model as I have the pleasure of spending every day with this spectacular woman, whom at the age of 95, still educates me on how to be graceful, hilarious and enjoy the daily pleasures of life.
What inspires you to push forward in life?
People inspire me. People charge me with energy to create, advocate and explore ways to collaborate. I am inspired by emotion whether it be good or bad. When something hurts my feelings, as the world often does, I am inspired to think of ways to heal first myself and then the world.
If you could offer anything to the world, what would it be?
Myself, as I do daily. I would love to travel more and God willing that's on the way, so I can meet people, learn from them, share and inspire them. I want to offer my light to this world even in the most darkest times, I want to be that flame.
What do you believe your purpose(s) is?
As an Artist it is my duty to create. As a humanist it is my duty to be kind and share with others. My purpose is to be the very best Zewiditu Jewel that I can be in order to bring great change and positivity into every space I'm in. My purpose is to be true.
What are you most passionate about?
I have dedicated over 11 years of my life to education and volunteering in local communities. I am extremely passionate about this work. Working for children is not a job. Volunteering and advocating and empowering others is not a hobby. I am passionate about these things because this is purposeful work. This is what God brought me here to do.
When all is said and done, what is it that you want to be able to look back on your life and say: “I did that”?
I don't want to say anything, God willing my work will speak for itself.
What is a quote/poem that you live by (or favorite quote/poem) ?
Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.
Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
What do you think the biggest problem in society, today is?
I focus on solutions. Problems are for people who rather complain than fix them.
What are some projects you have been working on ?
I am writing a book of poetry as well as producing an audio book of my work.
In three words, list what you believe could save the world…
Love. Therapy. Forgiveness
Positive, peaceful and praiseworthy in these streets. I admire and appreciate human beings like Zewiditu and I can't wait to put on for those like her kind, as much as I possibly can. Follow her, she's dope AF!