When I failed and failed again.

I am very sensitive by nature and my sensitivity reflects in every chapter of my life. My failures were not exempted. To me, failure was an hinderance. An obstruction to success. You see, I grew up having my future all spread out ahead of me.

My early year’s education was easy, with the innocence of a child, I climbed the steps without thinking much of it. High school was easy as well, despite peer pressure and hunger, the journey was smooth. Poverty played a big role among other hiccups, however, the determination to succeed was never waiver.

I explored all possibilities and having people who believed in me around, I exceeded expectations. I had it all planned. My life was going to be easy, problem-free and better than the people I see around. I planned to excel at everything. (more…)

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Living life on the edge.

It was a few months after I finished my university education. I was young and ready to face any challenge. As part of the rudiments, I was posted to the countryside where life was a little bit slower. Life was very different to what I was used to. Transportation was one of the huge problems.  I spoke a different language from what people in this community spoke. I dressed differently and the food was an adventure.

With my new found freedom and the opportunity presented before me, I got lost in my new found world. I threw myself into the community service, working with people and helping others. It felt good to be appreciated. To be seen and to be respected. I was part of the advisory committee and being young and fresh from university my knowledge and expertise seemed unique enough to guide the decision of the elders of the community. It was right enough to augment the basic understanding of the board of elders. (more…)

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Facing My Fear

There was an epidemic of chicken pox when I was about 10. Everyone in my community was infected. I had it bad during that summer holiday and by the beginning of a new school year, I was covered in scars. It was easy to see the damage the chicken pox did to my skin. Everyone could see and I attracted a lot of unnecessary attention.

The attention I attracted had a huge impact on my life. Among the children in my class were a set of twins. One was a girl and the other one was a boy. For reasons I did not understand, these twins felt it was alright to taunt me due to the spots on my skin.

The girl twin was a very strong character. The brother on the other hand really didn’t do much, but, copy his sister. They didn’t look anything alike and could be pass as total strangers.

The twins found it funny that I was covered in spots and scars and soon this turned to teasing. I was picked upon. Soon it turned to full blown bullying. Everywhere I went the twins were there to challenge me. I was nicknamed “the spotty one” by the twins and soon my real name was temporarily forgotten. I was pushed to a breaking point. The twin used all avenues and their strength to torment me. (more…)

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