It Was Hard

In 2016, after my National Youth Service, I resorted to inspirational writing, I was faced with a lot of criticism. I was told I wouldn't go far with it. In February 2017, a friend encouraged me to start a mentorship school, that I was good at it. I didn't still give it a thought. As at that point, some of my friends are already living well, but I have this dream for inspiring communities. April 2017, I was sick, admitted into the hospital and I was operated. 

At that point, I thought I would die and I thought of my dreams. The moment, I got back on my feet. I started pursuing my dreams. I started preparing the concept plan for my Academy. And, I did this for a month. I kept thinking, finding a suitable name for the organization and it wasn't easy. As at that point, I attended a Youth leadership program. I met a mentor and she asked about my work. I explained to her about my dreams of starting a leadership and Career Academy to help young people discover their purpose. I see many young people live less meaningful life and find it difficult to transit into the workforce. Then, she asked "Have you started?" I said, "No" then you have to start. 

I went back home that day to work on it and put final touches. I went hungry to complete the concept plan and  immediately, I started the academy. I dropped a post on Facebook June 6, 2017 introducing the academy. 2 weeks later we had our first career reach out. We were just three that organized the reach out. My friend, my cousin and I. 

It is said that big dreams start with baby steps. 

July 1, 2017, we introduced our online academy for young people between the age of 15 - 35. I had this dream of helping young people across Africa to navigate their path. I noticed I couldn't be present in all African countries. So, I called for applications online and today, we have over 130 taking part in our one year long Leadership and Career Training spread across two Cohort. 

Guys it was hard, people said a lot of things. They said, how do you make money from this? I could see some of my mates driving the latest car. It's none of my business. I could see a whole lot of people criticizing me that I wouldn't last, its none of my business. When you have a why, you will continue to find your how. 

It was difficult ladies and gentlemen. It was not easy running programmes with your personal funds and requesting for donations. It was hard. But, when you have a dream, and you act. It is possible. Today, we have over 30 volunteers and we are present in three states. 

It's hard. But, let me tell you something, you may have to start first and walk the talk first before people would support you. However, to sustain, you have to build your organization around people. Its hard to start. It's hard but keep your dream in sight. Believe it, be flexible and be  creative. And, do not be scared to keep reviewing your strategy. The way we started is not currently the way we are running. Ideas will not come fully formed. But with persistency and consistency. You will make it. 

You also have to show up and make it happen. Why? You were given that mountain to let others know that it's possible. Today, I have a lot of people come to me about starting their initiatives. I can easily guide them and tell them what to do and not to do. Like I said, it was hard. Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. Guys, don't let anyone tell you that you can't make it. Don't let them tell you that it's not possible. Les Brown said, "someone opinion of you does not have to become reality." I have learned in the process, I have innovate and I have met a whole lot of people in the process. 

Ultimately, I want you to recite this after me; 

It is possible, I can live my dreams

It is necessary, I will work on myself

Surround myself with winners

Become creative, its me, I got to make it happen. 

It is not over, until I win. - Les Brown

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Thank you for reading 

#wearetogether