Whenever you decide to go after something you want, fear often shows up.
It’s easy to understand why. You’re moving beyond what’s familiar. You’re moving beyond your comfort zone. But don’t let fear get the best of you. Coming from a very humble background I had a picture of who I wanted to become in future. This journey hasn’t been rosy but promising. I quite remember when I wanted to pursue nursing in Central University, few of my close friends asked me how I would be able to afford it because they knew the fees were expensive. But I wanted to be a nurse by all means. I very much wanted my passion as a nurse to be a reality not only in my thoughts. After that I couldn’t get admission to the nursing training college even though my results were good. I worked part time jobs for a year to raise funds to prepare to go back to school to pursue nursing. Fast forward, I gained admission to Central University in 2013. As to how to complete my four years education I wasn’t very sure but I was very certain I would. Thankfully, I was able to secure a sponsorship from a charity foundation that supported me with my tuition every semester. Most of my weekends in school – I had to work part time. I hardly stayed in school on weekends because I had books to buy among other things – financially it was demanding. Fast forward, my life came to a stand still when I was informed by the charity foundation they couldn’t sponsor me anymore. That was disappointing. I cried and prayed for days for a miracle because I was half way through my journey of becoming a nurse. Unknown quote: that kept me going despite all the hurdles – “one day the charcoal seller's daughter will also wear a white shirt”. I was determined that I didn’t want to stop schooling. A family member came in the form of a guardian angel who paid my fees until I completed my four years program successfully. Since I was blessed, giving back was a no brainer - I knew without the support of the charity foundation, I would be at this position. Therefore, I started my own foundation with my friends.
Knowing well of the experience I had endured: needing help. I promise to reach out to the needy in any little way I can. Other than my weekend part time gigs or jobs I did some selling at the University campus hostel or dorms. I figured out I had the potential of doing business so why not try it. If you were wondering, yes successfully graduated and currently practicing nursing in Ghana. And also doing my side gigs – a rental start-up to support the foundation at full capacity. My long to long term goal is to give employment to those in need, especially students or people who are willing to work.
Appreciation: my sincere gratitude to God first, for bringing me this far. I want to say a very big thank you to my supportive husband, for believing in me and helping me out. Also thank you to Abdul Aziz Tetteh and Rabiu Mohammed, for keeping me grounded. Not forgetting my team: thanks for having my back: JEOLIS IS GREAT.
Lastly, my awesome mom, Meru and all my friends and customers showed up. Keep supporting us.
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them? One of the hurdles I faced initially was, sometimes I had to miss lectures because I had to make it to my part time jobs or gigs. I had a lot to make up for - those missing time.
Right after graduating, my side gigs were my source of support – financially. I had to, because until the government posted us to facilities to work, I couldn’t find a decent job to do. I also had to learn bead making in Kumasi, Ghana to make a living. It was worth the risk and everything. What books are you currently reading? The five love languages by Gary Chapman Act like a lady think like a man by Steve Harvey What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you started? I wish I had known a lot more about investments and insurance very well like I do now. I also wished I crossed paths with a few individuals when I first started, but again – timing is everything. What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally? Day in, and day out embrace change (new media, technology, lifestyle) – be open minded. Strive to make it against all odds. And do not give up just yet, because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The hustle will pay off.
