TRANSITION FROM THE GHETTO TO A FOREIGN CITY... [Grass to Grace Story]
Returning back from school in the hot sun, Emeka who recently turned 14, was feeling exhausted, but his weariness seemed to intensify as the thought of him still having a lot to do hit me... Everyday, after school at the evening hours, he usually hawk his mother wares-- what is popularly called "fufu" in Nigeria. He wished he could get over this-- the hard times his mother and his three younger siblings: Iyke, Ada, and Osita were going through as a family. They eked out a living in the ghetto where they had spent nearly all their lives in.
As the first son, as well as the first child, Emeka had to assist his mummy in all the possible ways in could; so that his family could survive in the mid of the great penury that tortured many families in the ghetto where they reside.
He was a young teenager who wanted the best out of life, and for his family. Most of the times, he wished he was born with a "silver spoon" like some other children, who were happily living in comfort which their parents provided, and all they needed to do was to go to school in good uniforms with filled stomachs, without having to think over what they would eat, or having to peddle stuff around after school hours before dinner becomes a surety.
At age 17, Emeka dropped out of school when he was in SS2 because of severe financial constraints that his family was facing. "How I wished I have a responsible father", he said silently to himself. His father, Mr. Nonso had left them and their mum, Mrs. Nonso Bridget all alone.
Meanwhile, Emeka has always loved Art; drawing and paintings. Having dropped out of school he decided, after careful discussion with his mum, to be an apprentice to Mr. Adada, the popular Artist around their neighborhood. And as time passed by, Emeka was mastering his profession and honing his artistic skills on daily basis. As the saying goes, "Worth is worth doing, is worth doing well." In other words, Emeka was diligent and of course, loyal to his boss, Mr. Adada.
As the Bible has it, when God decide to bless a man, no force stop can such man. After two years working as an apprentice, close to the time when he was to be sent forth by his boss, a very unique art competition having some of its sponsors as white came up. And Mr. Adada encouraged Emeka to participate in the competition, considering the fact that he met the requirements to participate. The competition in question was to allow young artists showcase their artistic talent to the world, and the winner will having the chance of traveling out of the control on a scholarship.
Emeka did participate and emerged as the winner. This was how his story changed... He traveled out of his Ghetto to Canada, all costs incurred were fully funded by the organisers (and sponsors) of the competition.
Lessons to learn:
- No condition is permanent.
- When there's life there is Hope.
- Never give up.
- Tough time don't last for forever.
- Diligence and hard work always pay.
And others...(you can write in the comment section what you learnt from the story.
