I learnt about opening up on the issues bothering me and seeking help at a very young age, and it has been helpful. How I got to learn about that is a very old occurrence that I don't forget in a hurry.
When I was growing up, my family didn't have much, but my parents were able to foot our bills such as academic fees, clothing, and feeding. Most times, they struggled to come up with our school fees. It would take time, but they would always come through.
I can vividly remember, I was in JSS2, and we were to pay a particular fee which would grant us access to participate in a scholarship exam. By then, I hadn't paid my school fees because my parents were struggling to come up with it, but they were very sure they would come through before the deadline. Upon seeing how they were struggling to come up with the school fees, I just thought it was irresponsible to tell them about the scholarship examination that was coming, which we were to pay a certain fee to get the ticket to write.
I won't lie, each time the announcement came about payment and the deadline, I felt really bad because I was going to miss out, and there was no way to get the money. I tried many times to summon the courage to let my dad know, but I felt pity for them because the little money would be added to the school fees they were trying to sort out.
The exam day came, and the people that were selected went to write the exam.
Exactly that day, when my dad returned in the evening, he called for my attention and asked whether I joined the people that wrote the scholarship exam. I was dumbfounded because I couldn't lie, and my truth was going to lead to many things. After many questions, I opened up and told them that there was a fee we were asked to pay, but I didn't bother to let them know, and I went further to tell them my reasons.
My dad raged in anger; he didn’t take it lightly. He spanked me so hard on my head, and I didn’t know when I started crying because it was obvious that the good I thought I was doing for them by pitying them turned against me. My mom also didn’t take it lightly; they took turns insulting my ‘foolishness,’ and that was when I realised that I had acted foolishly. If I had written the exam and come out successful, I would have totally relieved them of the burden of paying my school fees.
After my parents were calm, they called me and my siblings for another meeting, advising us not to close our mouths and shy away from seeking help, no matter how shameful the situation may be.
That moment of my life restructured my thinking, and it's very true—seeking help is never a crime. Although it may seem to belittle the person seeking help, it is worth it as long as it saves the situation it was asked for.
Thanks!
