Growing up in my village, nightfall always brought complete darkness unless my family had enough money for kerosene. I remember sitting at our small wooden table with my three brothers, trying to read our schoolbooks by the yellow flame of a tin lamp. In the corner, my parents would sit quietly, figuring out how to stretch enough money for tomorrow’s meals and school fees. Back then, going to sleep without worrying about what we’d eat the next day felt like a rare comfort, and electricity was something only people far away had.
Living through that kind of constant tightness changed how I looked at life. I realized early on that waiting around for someone else to step in and solve my problems was never going to happen. I knew if I didn't figure out a way to stand on my own two feet, I would stay trapped in that same cycle forever.
Now, at twenty years old, I find myself sitting in a university lecture hall. Reaching this point took heavy sacrifices from my parents, but being here has been a sharp wake-up call. A degree is an important step, but it’s still just a piece of paper. It won't automatically put food on my table or lift my family out of financial strain. Real security won't come from a title on a document; it has to come from usable skills, continuous work, and whatever I can build with my own hands and mind. I'm not just chasing money—I'm chasing independence. I want the ability to take care of my responsibilities without having to rely on luck or ask anyone for favors.
IMAGE FROM PEXELS
Looking back, those difficult childhood years weren't a loss. They taught me how to endure when things get tough. Whenever I run into a wall now, I think back to that dark room and the flickering tin lamp, and I remind myself of one simple truth: this moment will pass. If I fail at something, I take the hit, figure out where I went wrong, and make sure I don't repeat the same mistake.
I still have a long way to go, and the road ahead isn't always clear, but every small bit of progress counts. I’m focused on building something lasting for myself and my family, step by step.
Thank you to the Hive community for reading and letting me share a piece of my story as I work my way forward.