“She Lost Her Dad, Hawked Groundnuts Daily To Raise Money For School Fees”- Lady Bags B.Ed in Adult Education, Earned 3 Awards, 5 Medals, And 17 Certificates, Despite Encountering Countless Challenges

I began my degree journey with the simple hope of spending four years in the university, graduating on time, and stepping confidently into the next phase of my life.

Like many others, I never imagined that this journey would stretch into six long years; years shaped by the unexpected disruptions of COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged ASUU strikes.

What was meant to be a short academic race became a true test of endurance, faith, and perseverance.

The journey was far from easy. To make ends meet, I hawked groundnuts daily under the sun, through exhaustion just to raise money for school fees and basic survival.

Balancing hawking with lectures, assignments, and personal study demended strenth I never knew I had. Many days ended in physical fatigue, yet I still found the courage to open my books and push forward, reminding myself that education was my pathway to a better future.

One of the most painful moments of this journey was losing my father. His death almost broke me. The reality of continuing life and academics without a father figure felt overwhelming, and there were moments I nearly gave up.

However, even in grief, I made a conscious decision not to allow loss to define my destiny. I pressed on with resilience, knowing that quitting was never an option.

Moreover, peer pressure was another challenge that tested my resolve. Distractions were everywhere, but I remained focused. I learned to say no, to walk alone when necessary, and to prioritize long-term goals over short-term comfort.

There were days I skipped meals just to meet school financial obligations, days when hunger challenged my concentration. After long hours of hawking groundnuts, I still gathered the strength to study, attend classes, and prepare for examinations.

Despite the odds, I stood my ground, determined to achieve academic excellence. By the grace of GOd, my efforts did not go unrewarded.

While in the university, I earned 3 awards, 5 medals, and 17 certificates, achievements that stand as proof that hardship does not limit excellence but rather defines it.

Today, as I stand at my convocation, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. I return all glory to God, who sustained me through uncertainty, loss, and hardship. I deeply appreciate my family and friends for their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support.

This degree is more than a certificate; it’s a testimony of resilience, sacrifice, and victory.

Indeed, the journey was long, but the destination is truly worth it.

A humble groundnut seller, now a seasoned graduate.

Congratulations to me!!!

B.Ed in Adult Education bagged

Credit Ogbonna Uchechi

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com