WHERE I'M FROM- BY ABOLORE YUSHAB

Life has a way of molding us, shaping us into the individuals we become. It fuels our motivation, ignites our desire to succeed, and propels us forward, despite the hurdles and setbacks we may encounter along the way. For me, where I'm from is not merely a physical place, but a deep-rooted drive within me to make a difference, to chase my dreams and overcome the obstacles that stand in my path.

I come from humble beginnings, born into a home where opportunities were scarce and luxuries were few. A silver spoon was never handed to me, and I learned from an early age that if I wanted to succeed, I would have to work twice as hard as others. The struggle was real, but it shaped me into the resilient individual I am today.

On the streets where I grew up, making it big wasn't part of the norm. It was a place where dreams were often shattered, and a better life seemed unattainable. The road to success was riddled with dangers and trials, but I refused to let my circumstances define me. I knew that succumbing to the streets meant sacrificing a future, and I was determined to create a different path for myself.

In my community, the pressures of conformity and the allure of the forbidden often led many astray. Illegality became a way of life, and the community wore it as a badge of honour. But I chose a different path. Driven by my values, my religion, and my own moral compass, I decided to break free from the chains of mediocrity and carve my own destiny.

Living in a state where the wealthy dominated and power reigned supreme, I knew that if I wanted to have a voice, I had to rise above average. I wanted to impact the lives of those less fortunate, to use my influence to create positive change. To do that, I needed to overcome societal expectations and surpass the limitations that threatened to hold me back.

But it wasn't just personal ambition that fueled my fire. I hail from a country where dreams often go to die, where the relentless weight of a failing system crushes the hopes of its citizens. I refuse to let my dreams suffer that same fate. I work tirelessly, like a restless clock, to achieve greatness not only for myself but also to make my country a better place for future generations.

Where I'm from is not something I boast about. It's a reminder of the uphill battle I face each day. So please, do not make life harder for me. Don't belittle my efforts or dismiss my progress. My journey is not a competition against anyone. If you reach your destination before I do, I will genuinely celebrate your success. Likewise, if I reach mine before you, do not try to hinder my progress, for by doing so, you'll be suffocating the dreams of many.

To all those who understand the struggles, the sacrifices, and the insatiable thirst for a better life, let us continue to inspire and uplift one another. Let us use our own stories as motivation, showing others that with determination, hard work, and an intransigent belief in ourselves, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.

Where I'm from is not the end of my journey; it is merely the beginning. My story is one of hustle, resilience, and steadfast determination. Where I'm from simply strengthens my resolve to forge my own destiny, make my family proud, and leave an indelible mark on this world.

Today, I pen…

“I come from a place where struggles are real,

Where hustling is a must to make ends meet or you steal,

No silver spoon in my mouth, just a burning desire,

To make my family proud, and to maintain my shining star.

I come from streets where making it big is rare,

Where peer pressure and illegality are considered fair,

But I chose to pave my own way, guided by my faith,

And morality that detests the norms of my place.

I come from a state where power and wealth reign,

Where the poor and average are often left in pain,

But I won't be overridden, I'll rise to the test,

To use my power and authority to make a positive impact, and be the best.

I come from a country where dreams are often killed,

Where the system fails, and hope is hard to build,

But I won't let that define me, I'll work tirelessly,

To achieve greatness, and make my country a better place to live, for you and me.

Where I'm from may not be perfect, but it's my story,

Don't make my journey harder, with hate and mockery,

If you can't support my progress, don't try to bring me down;

We can rise together and make our dreams wear the crown.”

© YUSHAB A. AYOMIDE

- Nigeria