Like many of you, I have been saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela. While I looked for ways to speak about what his life and his struggle meant to me, I came across this quote from his grandson Zwelabo. Zwelebo Mandela is a student at Johnson C. Smith University, which is actually within walking distance from my house. So, I felt somehow connected to him. It was this young man's words that moved me. In fact is it the reason I work so hard.

[callout]"When I'm just talking about my grandfather, removing the titles and all the work that he's done, there's basically what he's instilled in my life, and that's a hard work ethic as it pertains to education," said Zwelabo Mandela.[/callout]

I don't work hard so that you can give me accolades. I don't work hard so that I can be known by men. I work hard so that when I die, I will have left my children and my children's children and inheritance. Not an inheritance of money - but one of integrity, wisdom, and a good work ethic. [Tweet "I work hard so that when I die, I will have left my children and my children's children and inheritance."]

If you strip my titles will my life have meant anything to the ones I love. If the answer is yes. Then my living has not been in vain. So I work hard and even harder.