I’ve always been ambitious from as young as I can remember. When I was a little girl I knew that when I grew up I wanted to start off by becoming a successful teenager. It was the only thing I’ve always wanted – to see myself achieve even when I was a teenager.

I don’t think there is anybody who would want to see themselves begging people, asking, making deals or even sacrificing the things that mean the world to them. I was raised by a single parent till I turned 18 years old, that’s when mom passed away. I would be lying to you if I said life without her was just fine. Honestly, it wasn’t at all, it was really hard yet it taught me a lot.

I taught myself things like being strong, saving money and not overspending on unnecessary and unless things. Most importantly, I taught myself to depend on God fully. For whenever and whatever it may be, I learnt to just never seek help in man cause some will advise you wrongly. You should seek whatever you need or desire from I God and He will give you the right advice and speak right through you.

I know that poverty can push you into doing things that you’ve never planned on doing. For example: selling your clothes, that expensive motorbike you’ve never thought of selling and that TV stand that your parents bought you. You swore that it would forever be standing and that you’d keep that promise of making sure it stands even after your parents died. You made that promise when you were all alive and happy, but when they died your promise died with them.

Well, that’s life for you; we don’t choose to make some sacrifices, but our background sometimes forces us to, which is a bad thing but a good lesson. Some people have been going up and down, tired as hell, exhausted as hell, searching for jobs just to make the best living for themselves. Yet, after that entire job hunting there is nothing to be found. You need to pay for certain jobs, but you don’t even have the money to do even that.

Your family then starts to starve and suddenly end up dropping all their family hopes and end up being nothing. Some people even sacrifice themselves, like girls who sleep with men so that those men can do certain things for them like giving them money for that job they needed to pay for. Meanwhile, other girls don’t last that long, they end up committing suicide because of their living situations. People go through a lot of things in this world. As much as we try by all means to have a good life, we have to accept that no matter how hard we try to fight, there will always be things that are beyond our control.

What I’ve always wanted is to be independent as a girl. I probably say that because my late mother was my inspiration. I saw my mom live her life, showing me that it’s important to be independent as a woman, not to depend on a man, not to even ask anybody for anything. She taught me my value and how to work for what I want and to rejoice in my hard work. Yes, life is hard, but you have to push and pray then you can surely make it. Ever since my mother died, those words really struck me in the heart.

I’ve been willing to sacrifice anything and work hard in whatever I do to make sure that no matter what I want, I will get. I’ve always been trying my best to make the most of anything and work very hard and honestly. It’s been worth it.

As people, we desire a lot of things. Currency is our problem and patience and insecurities are our challenges and jealousy is our worst controller. We are affected and inspired by our backgrounds. We have goals, our parents can’t do it all for us. Some parents have limitations; they can only make sure you reach high school then the rest you’ll see for yourself.

Despite your background, as long as you know what you want, it should never affect you. Even if it means working so you can pay off your fees, you can do that just fine and get your money and pay for your fees. However, if you are the breadwinner at home, raising your little sisters and brothers, you’re just going to have to sacrifice a lot. Find a stable job so that you can push forward. I know life lets us down sometimes, but we’re meant to face its challenges and live through it.

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Tell us what you think: The writer say “…not to even ask anybody for anything”. What is the difference between pride and independence?