Tell Your Story #71: Success is Personal

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Earlier this afternoon, while working, I received a random call from Michelle's parents (not her real name). Their voices were filled with emotions as they rained prayers and blessings on me.

They had just received a call from Abuja which informed them that their daughter, Michelle had won the overall best prize in a major national essay competition. This prize is worth thousands of naira and is accompanied with scholarship for a full session. Her parents rained blessings on me throughout the call. Called me "the angel God sent to lift the family."

But as I listened to them expressing their sincere gratitude, I knew that I wasn't responsible for this win. Michelle was.

Let me give you a background story.

Michelle came to live with us last year. I took her in as a sister, shared opportunities with her, and encouraged her to put in more effort in school. Given the current economic realities and her background, I knew that for her to break out, she couldn't just be "average," she would have to work extra hard to succeed in life.

I advised her to write essays. She did. We shared every scholarship opportunity that crossed our desk. I took her along to events and let her watch me while I'm working. I taught her every digital skill I had (within the limited time I had). She learned with commitment.

She was always asking me to review her essays and refine her scholarship application. In the space of four months, she started winning multiple essays, particularly those targeted at secondary school learners.

Just this morning, another essay organiser called announcing that she had won the overall prize that's worth thousands of naira. Her parents and family members called to thank me.

Unknown to them, I wasn't responsible for her success. Michelle was.

I believe that...
Every single one of us is responsible for our success and failure. There was a time someone told me that having "connection" or a mentor is all that matters. They believe that it's the duty of their mentors to do the work for them. But this is not how life works.

If you are surrounded by gold, you must still be the one to dig it if you do not wish to die poor. Am I correct?

Exactly!

If I had shared those opportunities and Michelle refused to act on them, that would have changed the entire way this event turned out. Maybe, I wouldn't have been sharing this story today.

From her story, I've learnt that it's not enough to walk up to people to ask for help.

• I need to make myself teachable, and
• Execute what I learn without making excuses.

This is how success is birth. Do you agree?

_{It's a pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. Thank you for reading through. I'm inviting @mkponke-ouwa, @estylove90 and @ngozi996 to this contest.}