In loving memory of Krishna Khetia

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Aim at the sun and you may not reach it, but your arrow will fly higher than if you aimed at an object on a level with yourself. Author: Unknown

My story with Krishna started at the beginning of 2009. Craig Rowe asked me to help with the mentoring of the Monash SIFE team. (Global Community Engagement for Universities) Krishna was the leader of this team and I worked with her and the team during the year. Krishna was friendly, open and dedicated to making a difference. She led her team with a gentle spirit, always smiling and determined to make a difference in the community.To meet a humble young student who cares about others was a real blessing to me. Being in her presence, it was her quiet determined drive that reflects the characteristcs of a servant leader way beyond her years that most stood out for me.

The week before she went home to Kenya in December I was at a lunch with her and some of her close friends. She shared with me the joy of completing her degree, the excitement of going to Cape Town next year and sharing a flat with her sister and also continuing her studies. She had been awarded the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. She was truly a global humanitarian well on her way to helping change the world.

On the morning of the 2nd of January, she died in a tragic accident in Mombassa. What a targic loss for her parents and her sister. Her friends around the globe are devastated and share their pain on a tribute site for her. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/In-Loving-memory-of-Krishna-Khetia/231290048223

I have reflected for many hours on this devastating loss. For any parent this is always our worst fear. My children also live far away from me on different continents. When our journey of parenting needs us to release our children we are told that parenting is about Roots and Wings. This is one of the toughest parenting journeys. Krishna's parents sent her down to South Africa to continue her education. We are called as parents to release our children and allow them to become all they are meant to be. You can certainly be proud of who Krishna was. In her short time of entering into adulthood she achieved more than most adults do in a lifetime.

Thank you for the time I had to spend with her. For the lessons I learnt and the memories that will always remain with me. The one lesson I have learnt as a mentor is that often the person we are mentoring teaches us more and blesses us more than we can ever imagine.

May her memory and her work continue to inspire all that knew her.

Live life aiming at the sun. Make a difference each day, even if it is just a smile and some kindness.

Thank you Krishna. May you rest in peace.