Tears of joy involuntarily filled my eyes, blurring my sight in the process, as I strolled up the stairs with my stilettos clicking rhythmically on the floor, led by my long beautiful legs. I finally stood in front of Mr Collen, our campus dean, trying hard to recollect my scattered emotions. I quickly tried fixing my graduation gown and the blue evening dress I was wearing under the gown, hoping my hat was still intact.
We shook hands and he handed me my Bachelor of Commerce Degree certificate. I couldn’t be more proud of myself. I turned to the beautiful sight of my mother ululating and my uncle reciting our clan names and dancing in joy, high up in the chairs, joined by my two sisters who were just being their teen selves yet were equally ecstatic. This had always been my dream. And it took me years to get this far.
It took me four good years of sleepless nights, endless attendance of extra classes, cross-nighting and tears of frustration. As hard as it was, I had to turn down many invites to parties, cut down on social media (my addiction), stay late at campus libraries, sleep having only eaten noodles and cereal. As hard as it was to let go of habits for the sake of doing well in school, I did it anyway. I knew what I wanted from the word go and I put as much effort into what I aimed for.
The pressure would sometimes be unbearable to the point that I would sometimes pack my stuff to leave res, forget about school and go back home but my dreams and goals wouldn’t allow it. My three roommates teased me a lot for being so “boring” but I didn’t pay attention to them. Entertaining them wasn’t what I came to school for and was not even on my bucket list.
Two essays due in a short space of time and a DP test in a row nonsense got to me badly, hey. What made it even tougher was the fact that the workload and the pressure became more and more each passing semester. I was ready to quit but God gave me strength, the support I had from my family gave me energy and hope. I have a cum laude degree to attest to that. I couldn’t have done it without God.
I will never forget the day of my graduation because that day I achieved something that took me years to achieve. Now, fellow readers, be wise like me. Work like a slave to live like a king. I tried that route and it paid off. Why not try it too and see where it takes you. Education is key to success. Dedication, hard work and ambition are all the hunger you need to feed your dreams and goals. Lastly, don’t forget to pray against bad energies and the spirit of laziness. God loves you and so do I.
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Tell you: What has motivated you to keep going in fighting for your dream?