My Personal Experience

"My name is Abdullahi, and I’m 17 years old. I live in Kano, a city bustling with life and opportunity, but my home has been anything but peaceful lately. My story is one of dreams deferred and responsibilities thrust upon me far too soon.

Ever since I was young, education has been my sanctuary. I loved school—the thrill of learning something new every day, the camaraderie with my friends, and the guidance of teachers who believed in my potential. My dream was clear: I wanted to become an engineer. I envisioned myself designing bridges and buildings that would stand the test of time, improving the infrastructure of my community and making life better for everyone around me.

But life had other plans. Our family faced financial hardships that I couldn’t ignore. My father’s business had failed, and my mother struggled to make ends meet. As the eldest son, the weight of our family’s survival fell on my shoulders. My parents looked to me as their beacon of hope, believing that I was the one who could turn things around.

One evening, my parents sat me down for a serious conversation. They expressed their fears and the dire situation we were in. “Abdullahi,” my father began, his voice heavy with worry, “we need you to help support the family. It’s time for you to take on more responsibility.” The words hit me like a tidal wave. I had always dreamed of finishing school, of earning a degree that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to society. But their needs were immediate and pressing.

Reluctantly, I made the hardest decision of my life—I had to drop out of school to support my family. I started working various jobs, from helping in local shops to assisting with construction projects. Each day was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I missed the classrooms, the lectures, and the sense of purpose that education provided. Instead, I found myself juggling multiple responsibilities, trying to keep our family afloat.

The nights are the hardest. I lie awake, thinking about the future I once envisioned for myself and the sacrifices I’ve had to make. There are moments when doubt creeps in, questioning whether I made the right choice. But then I see the relief on my parents’ faces or the smile on my younger siblings’ faces, and I know I’m doing what I have to.

Despite the challenges, my dream of becoming an engineer has not faded. In fact, it has become even more urgent. I want to improve the infrastructure in Kano, to build roads that connect people and resources more efficiently, to design schools and hospitals that can better serve our community. I believe that with the right education and determination, I can make a significant impact.

I hold onto hope that one day, circumstances will allow me to return to school. Until then, I continue to work hard, saving every possible penny and seeking opportunities to further my education while supporting my family. My journey is far from over, and the path is fraught with obstacles, but my resolve remains unshaken.

I dream of a future where I can balance my responsibilities at home with my passion for engineering. A future where I can give back to my community, creating structures that not only stand tall but also symbolize resilience and progress. This is my mission, and no matter how tough the journey gets, I won’t give up on making it a reality."