"Knowing where you come from, knowing where you are headed, and maximizing the opportunities along the way."
This powerful statement encapsulates the heartfelt exchanges between two remarkable Open Dreams Scholars/Mentors—now accomplished businessmen and scholars on the global stage—and the aspiring young minds they sought to inspire.
The fireside chat with Styve Lekane and Paterson Vades was more than a conversation; it was a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of seizing opportunities. Both speakers, who hail from the West Region of Cameroon, shared deeply personal journeys—ones that began with uncertainty yet led to remarkable achievements through sheer determination and adaptability.
Stories of Struggle, Growth, and Triumph
Paterson Vades: From "Pa Drose" to Global Entrepreneur
Paterson’s path was far from conventional. At one point, he found himself selling underwear to make ends meet—an experience that earned him the nickname “Pa Drose” (Pidgin for "Pant Man"). Yet, this phase of his life did not define him.
Originally pursuing medical studies (ex-CUSS) in Cameroon, he soon realized that his ambitions lay elsewhere. A scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education opened a new chapter, allowing him to study Mining Engineering in China. Determined to make the most of this opportunity, he started teaching English lessons for extra income—an endeavor that would later fuel his business acumen.
By the age of 25, he had launched his first business, investing in real estate and online ventures. Today, he is planning to relocate to Canada with his family, stepping into a new phase of his journey not just as an entrepreneur, but as a mentor and guide for others.
Styve Lekane: Choosing Passion and Income Over Expectation
Styve’s story is one of bold defiance against societal expectations. After completing his Advanced Level, his parents envisioned a future for him in medicine. But deep within, he knew his passion lay elsewhere.
Through relentless self-learning and research, he ventured into tech, a field where he would later thrive. Today, his expertise has earned him a place at one of the world’s leading technology firms, a testament to the fact that skills, determination, and self-belief matter just as much as formal education.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Following their inspiring testimonies, a Q&A session allowed the young scholars/mentors present to dive deeper into the minds of these accomplished alumni. In response, Styve and Paterson distilled their wisdom into key lessons for those aspiring to follow in their footsteps:
1. Be alert, hardworking, and humble – Opportunities often come unannounced. Recognizing them requires awareness, capitalizing on them requires effort, and sustaining them requires humility.
2. Be intentional about your path – Define your goals clearly. Break them into smaller, actionable steps. The most important thing is to start, the rest will follow.
3. Prioritize skills over degrees – While academic qualifications are valuable, practical skills often open more doors. Take advantage of free online courses and use the internet to expand your knowledge.
4. Leverage existing opportunities – Platforms like Open Dreams exist to guide and support young minds. Take full advantage of them.
5. Embrace the "Butterfly Effect" – Every decision, no matter how small, has the potential to change the course of your life. Choose wisely.
6. Become the right candidate – Opportunities are abundant, but they don’t chase people. Work to become the person opportunities seek.
A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude
The event concluded with words from Akaba James, fondly known as the "Father of the House" at Open Dreams. In a deeply emotional and reflective speech, he commended Styve and Paterson for their humility, unconventional journeys, and unshakable drive.
He acknowledged that mentors should not dictate what students pursue, but rather empower them to find their own paths. Seeing these two young men return as mentors and role models, he expressed pride in their achievements and hope that Open Dreams will continue shaping world leaders—one determined mind at a time.
Final Thoughts
The fireside chat was more than an exchange of stories, it was a call to action for every aspiring leader in the room. Styve and Paterson proved that background does not define destiny, and obstacles are merely stepping stones for those willing to put in the work.
As the session ended, the faces of the 30 attendees reflected admiration, motivation, and newfound determination—a sign that the seeds of inspiration had been sown. What they choose to do with it will shape the next generation of success stories.
By Cynthia EBOT, Open Dreams scholar.
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