My First Time in an Elevator was at Age 27

Turning pain into purpose

I was 27 years old when I first stepped into an elevator. Yes, you read that right – twenty-seven. As I watched the numbered buttons light up, I felt both amazement and a twinge of embarrassment.

How had I gone nearly three decades without this seemingly ordinary experience?

Growing up in a lower-class family shaped my world in ways I didn’t fully understand until I was older.

When you’re born into financial struggle, it’s not just about having less money – it’s about having less exposure to the world beyond your immediate surroundings.

Our neighbourhood had no tall buildings with elevators. The places we could afford to visit rarely had them either. And when survival is your family’s primary focus, experiencing new things falls pretty low on the priority list.

The lower-class life affected my education dramatically. I had to sit out of elementary school for three entire years because we couldn’t afford the fees. When I finally returned, I had to take the common entrance exam while still in primary four just to catch up.

Also, although I finished high school at 17, it took another six years before I could step foot into a university.

My siblings and I got everything late in life.

But the thing about starting behind is that it gives you a hunger that those who had it easy might never develop.

That same kid who first experienced an elevator at 27 went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, followed by a master’s in the same field, and later an MBA.

The child who once used local piggy banks (kolo) now manages investments and builds businesses.

Thanks to the internet, my story now reaches people across the globe. I’ve built a social media following of over 35,000 people.

The very limitations that once defined my life have become fuel for my determination.

Your background doesn’t have to determine your destination.

Sometimes, the things that seem to hold you back can become your greatest motivation to push forward.

So when you see me working hard, know that it comes from having seen the other side. And if you’re starting from behind like I did, remember – late bloomers often produce the most beautiful flowers.

I hope this helps you. If it did, like this newsletter, leave me a comment (it will encourage me a lot), click the follow button and subscribe to get email notifications when next I write. Talk next week at 2 pm