(ThySistas.com) The beauty of principle, work ethic, and the lessons attached to a legacy is it can cross gender barriers. Just because the lesson comes from a man doesn’t men it’s earmarked for boys and men. The loss of Kobe Bryant is deeply felt by women as well as men because he taught all of us about the value of work. He lived and spoke about life in a way that could be applied by anyone in principle. He championed the basketball ambitions of his daughter and withheld no good thing from her. He was teaching her the game in the same manner he would have taught his son if he had one. He didn’t look at her as a female athlete…she was an athlete period. Because of this stance many girls, as well as boys, were able to benefit from the “Mamba Mentality”.
It was understood, through interviews with Bryant, that his mentality was one that could be applied to any area of life. He explained that he was taught the world was his for the taking, but only if he was willing to work hard for it. He taught a generation that you don’t just achieve your dreams…you master them. You will never reach a place in life where you’ve arrived at a point where you can back off the hard work. This man was the embodiment of what can be achieved when you are willing to continue to learn, and that you can learn whatever you are 
willing to fight for. He decided he wanted to play the piano…so he learned. He could hold a press conference and answer several reporters in the language they spoke. Kobe Bryant was so much more than basketball, and he was willing to beat down any challenger in this game called life.
As we grapple with the loss of a legend, it is important that we remember the lesson he left on this earth. His spirit is alive and well in everyone that allows the Mamba Mentality to become a part of who they are, and what they are willing to fight for. Bryant sought to inspire…so be inspired and hit the ground running in pursuit of every dream you dare to have. You don’t have to achieve in a box. Bryant showed us that hard work is a sacrifice. On many days you will hurt, cry, question why you are doing this, and wonder if you will make it. Remember that you have the mentality to outlast and overcome any adversity that has the audacity to challenge you.
If doesn’t matter where you come from, your race, gender, religion, or anything else…the mentality is yours for the taking. If Kobe Bryant had an effect on your life in any way…allow one of his greatest assets to become your teacher. Never see your dream as something you don’t deserve or can’t attain. We should all rise up from the depths of our grief knowing that Bryant left us something that can’t be taken away once we choose to grasp such. Many of us have been inspired “not to waste another year of your life”. Long live the #MambaMentality.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
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