Excerpts of my personal Life Experience: The Magic of not giving up

I didn't plan to write this at all, but when I reflected back on all the little strides I have made, the hunger to pick up my pen defeated my resistance. As always, I will handpick some excerpts from my personal life experience.

The young man you see here today is a reflection of all your insecurities. Back then in my primary and secondary school days, many people thought I was weird because I was silent and shy. Losing my mum and coping with my very aggressive step mum at a very young age was an adventure I never dreamt of. I tasted every form of shame or abuse anyone would think of. It was then I understood you don't have to be ill or poor to live in hell.

My days as a young kid in primary school have played a great role in shaping who I am today, my uniform was among the most dilapidated in the class (it was torn and dirty). Spare me the need to go into details, I was also the last person to come to class each day, I have an unbeatable record for no reason. I also didn't have the requisite textbooks, I remember having to photocopy verbal reasoning and Quantitative exercises of my peers to take a test or Exam, and last but not least I was ill-fed. My stubborn classmates refer to me as a food beggar. Despite all these challenges I faced, I didn't relent, I never fell below the top 4 students in my class, most times I am in either the second position, third position, or first. At a very young age, I knew what I wanted. I still read the books I could lay my hands on, built good relationships with my teachers, and tried to be obedient. I didn't have the comfort my other classmates had, so I used what I had to get what I want. Also, I learnt the need to be humble and I know what it's like to experience hunger and to be abandoned, that went a long way in shaping how I interacted with people in the future.

Secondary school was a bit better, there was an opportunity to copy notes for the then 'unserious students' so I was able to make some money. I was also becoming more consistent in taking first positions so I got free textbooks. Prior to finishing my Junior secondary, I was transferred to a state government public school. At that time, I could remember we had over 494 students in SS1. I was the youngest in my class. if not the youngest, I should be in the Top 10 youngest. I was already loving the incentives that came with topping the class but having to beat over 494 students with over 50% of them being continuing students, it was like Aladdin becoming the king of Agrabah despite being a street urchin. I started out my SS1 first term as the 11th out of 494 students and climbed up to the 7th position in SS2. Although I was topping my own class, that was just 1/4 of the 494 students I aimed to beat. Prior to my graduation, there was a jinx which hasn't been broken for years, Ladies have always been the ones that graduate as best overall. After attending the graduation before mine. I said to myself that I will top my graduation set irrespective of all the odds. To cut the story short I graduated as the best overall and also the best-behaved student for that set. How did I do it? I ignored all the obvious barriers I had and went for what I wanted. Was it easy? No, I had to put in hard work and I was determined.

The higher institution was another story entirely but not far different from all my stories, I think I have written about it in my previous article. I couldn't get admission after graduating so I resorted to getting a National diploma. I joined the institution two months into the semester, and still, I topped the class, not just when graduating but from beginning to end.

Was I a guru or a super exceptional student? No, I knew what I wanted and I was humble enough to chase it. I built good relationships with people along the way. I wasn't the social type but I try to help others at my slightest chance. I respected everyone irrespective of their perceived status but most importantly, I never gave up. There are times when I have failed but I don't waste my time reflecting on my failures but correcting them and that is why I won't be talking about them today.

In addition to never giving up, There are certain very key lessons I have learned:

1. Sincerity: There's a popular saying that goes, "It is better to be trusted than to be loved". Always keep to your words and be true to yourself and others. people are watching, the walls have ears. If you are sincere with your words and actions, even your enemy will one day have no option but to seek your help or help you.
2. Humility: Many people have underrated this very valuable virtue. No matter how good you are. You still need others and as a result, you need to build good relationships with even the perceived most irrelevant person in the room. One thing I have realized during my journey is that everyone has something to offer, if you neglect anyone because of their status, you neglect the good they come with.
3. Emotional intelligence: You don't need to take a course to understand emotional intelligence. Listen to your conscience, Never rejoice when others are in pain. Try not to frown when others are rejoicing. Try as much as possible to distinguish between your emotions and your work or academics. don't let your problems interfere with your progress or you will create additional problems.
4. Stand up for yourself and start: You don't have to be super good to be great. The president of Nigeria is not the most intelligent man in Nigeria. But here he is, The rich people are not necessarily the most hardworking people. You lose 100% chances of the opportunity you fail to take. No one will penalize you for trying.
5. Take advantage of opportunities: There is never a perfect time to get things done, The fact that you are where you are today doesn't mean you can't get to where you want to be. No opportunity is bigger than you, and always remember that you are the driver of your destiny.

Conclusion

I remember saying to my younger self that one day I will write about my life experience and I feel very elated anytime I pick up my pen to do so. I know that I haven't gotten to my destination yet, but it doesn't hurt to get a feel of what the future looks like. I hope you all pick one or two out of my little rant. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. See you all when my pen calls me again.