I want to take you back on a trip down memory lane—to a time when I was desperately seeking admission into the university. Life was tough. There wasn’t even enough money for food, let alone lessons or extra classes.
Each morning, by 5:30 am, we would rise early and head out in search of work—what we locally called “Tim-bum.” That was our nickname for laboring, doing menial jobs like mixing concrete or serving masons at construction sites.
Interestingly, even at that early hour, the streets were already alive. Local food vendors were out, selling traditional Enugu dishes like okpa, fio fio, and yam. That warm aroma of survival lingered in the air. 🌅🍠
We would mix a bag of cement with sand and gravel to make concrete. For that, we earned ₦500. Sometimes, due to the sheer number of laborers at the site, you had to partner with someone just to increase your chances of finishing fast and making a bit more money.
After a hard morning’s labor, we would go to lessons at 9:00 am. I didn’t just show up—I participated fully. I had a dream, a goal, and a clear reason for everything I was doing. And that made all the difference. 💡💪
When you know where you’re going and why you’re doing something, your chances of succeeding become non-negotiable. 🌟
Some of the young men I used to work with at those sites are still there today. But many others, like me, made it through. Today, they’ve graduated, started businesses, or are employed in various professional fields.
The truth is this: your physical location doesn’t define you—your mindset does. You may be born in the ghetto, but if your dreams live beyond the ghetto and you work toward them sincerely and joyfully, one step at a time, you’ll rise above it. 🌻🚀
I won’t lie—there were days I cried. Days I questioned my very existence. I often wondered why I had to struggle so hard just to survive. 😢
One day, during a particularly difficult moment, a quote by Mother Teresa came to mind. I had read it somewhere before. It said:
“Happiness is a choice we make in advance.” ❤️
That quote changed me. I realized that joy isn’t about a problem-free life. Rather, joy is the ability to focus on the brighter side, even when you’re surrounded by darkness. 🌈✨
That was when I coined my own version:
“Joy or happiness does not mean absence of problems or difficult times, but your ability to focus on the brighter side of life despite all odds, as you take one step at a time towards your life goals.” 💫🌺
So if you’re struggling right now, hear me: It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to ask questions. But don’t give up. 🙏
You are not a mistake. You were created with purpose. Before God sent you here, He knew you—and knew what you could become. ✨
You’ve already been equipped with everything you need. Just because the journey is hard or seems impossible doesn’t mean it is. 🌿
Trust the process. Do not give in to habits that bring temporary satisfaction but hinder long-term success. Always keep the end goal in mind. 🎯
Above all, remember: you are God’s intentional creation. Stay connected with Him—and with yourself. During those tough years, I joined the church choir and stayed active. That helped me spiritually and emotionally. 🎶🕊️
As the saying goes, “He who sings, prays twice.”
Choose happiness. You don’t need drugs or substances to feel good. Those bring pseudo-joy, and they’ll harm your health and your dreams. 💔
Keep grinding. Keep your head up. Decide what you want out of life and pursue it—with a smile. 😊
It might take time, but it will happen. 🌠
As Bob Marley beautifully sang in Three Little Birds:
“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright.” 🎶🐦
And remember the words of the Lord:
“Do not worry about anything. With prayer and praise, make your intentions known.” 🙌🕊️
God bless you. Never give up on yourself. 🌸❤️
With love,
Your friend and brother,
Onuora Obodoechi
Pen it down. 