Why You Should Participate in the Global Peter Drucker Essay Challenge: A Story from a Tanzanian Laureate

In mid-March 2024, I found myself at one of the lowest points in my life. I had just received the devastating news that I was not shortlisted for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship interview. Overwhelmed with sadness, I sought solace in one of my passions: writing. Writing has always been a hobby that allows me to process my emotions and connect with others. During this period, I began writing articles about the challenges of post-graduation life and the depression that often comes with unemployment, hoping to resonate with others facing similar struggles.

As I continued sharing my articles, one reader commented on how well I wrote and encouraged me to participate in major competitions to gain recognition. Inspired by this suggestion, I decided to take action. One evening, while scrolling through Google, I came across a post about the Global Peter Drucker Essay Challenge. The theme for 2024, “The Next Education” struck a deep chord with me. It felt personal, as I had often reflected on how the education system had not fully prepared me for the real world. Without hesitation, I resolved to participate, not with the goal of winning but simply to share my thoughts on a topic that mattered to me. The writing process was intense and emotional. On the first day, I wrote for four hours straight—something I had never done before. The theme fueled my passion, and within two weeks, I had completed my essay. I saved it on my PC and moved on to other tasks, forgetting about the competition for a while.

In May, I revisited my essay, made some edits, and submitted it well ahead of the May 31 deadline. June was a whirlwind of activity. I was preparing for other competitions, including the Jamii Forums Short Stories Competition and a contest on politics and governance in Africa. I was also gearing up for an interview for a postgraduate program. The Drucker competition faded from my mind until late July, when I received an email informing me that I had made it to the top 10. I couldn't believe my eyes. To advance further, I needed to submit a three-minute video summarizing my essay. Despite my disbelief, I prepared and sent the video. Two weeks later, another email arrived: I had secured 2nd place in the student category, making me the only Tanzanian winner in the competition's history. This was a life-changing moment. When I initially entered, I hadn’t even checked what the prizes were. To my surprise, the award included a fully funded trip to Austria, €1,200 in prize money, and an unparalleled opportunity to build my profile. In August, I received the funds for my flight, making the victory feel real. I obtained my visa and began preparing for my first international trip.

On November 14th, I boarded a Lufthansa flight to Vienna. It was my first time on a plane, and everything exceeded my expectations. Upon landing, I headed straight to the Global Peter Drucker Forum. Meeting fellow laureates, influential leaders, and professors from prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford was surreal. The panels were insightful, and I learned so much about leadership, innovation, management and the future of education. That evening, I attended the gala event and had the opportunity to speak. Standing before such an esteemed audience, I surprised myself with my confidence. The following day, I presented my pitch on a holistic education model, a moment that solidified my belief in my potential. After the forum, I explored Vienna with new friends, soaking in the beauty of the city and cherishing every moment. This experience transformed me. It unearthed a confidence I never knew I had and reinforced the importance of taking chances. Participating in the Global Peter Drucker Challenge taught me invaluable lessons and these include;

1. Opportunities Are Meant to Be Seized: Many times, we hesitate to try, fearing failure. But as this experience showed me, sometimes we win when we least expect it.

2. The Power of Sharing Your Voice: Writing my essay was cathartic, and knowing that my thoughts resonated with others was deeply fulfilling. Your unique perspective matters and can inspire change.

3. Networking Can Change Your Life: The forum connected me with thought leaders, peers, and mentors who have since become part of my support system.

4. Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone: Traveling alone to a foreign country, presenting my ideas, and engaging with global leaders pushed me beyond my limits and helped me grow.

?Why You Should Participate in the Global Peter Drucker Essay Challenge

?To my fellow Tanzanians, I urge you to participate in this prestigious competition. Here’s why:

1. Global Recognition: Winning or even being shortlisted can put you on the global map, opening doors to academic and professional opportunities. Your biography and essay get published in their website.

2. Personal Growth: The process of writing, editing, and presenting your ideas helps you refine your thinking and build confidence.

?3. Networking Opportunities: The forum gathers some of the brightest minds in leadership, business, and education. Imagine the impact of meeting and learning from these individuals.

4. A Chance to Represent Tanzania: Let’s showcase the brilliance and potential of Tanzanians on the global stage.

?5. Inspiration for Others: By participating, you inspire others to dream bigger and aim higher.

The Global Peter Drucker Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a platform to share your voice, learn from others, and grow as a leader. As someone who has walked this journey, I can confidently say it is worth every effort. So, when these competitions open next year, make sure you participate and who knows? You might be the next laureate representing Tanzania or even the first winner from your country like me. All the best.

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