Francisca Nanaba Writes: Against all odds: How resilience rewrote my story 

Beyond the by- line is a woman with a strong list of career ambitions and determined to see them through. Growing up, excelling felt natural. Bagging first positions in basic school was habitual and sometimes, I even considered letting my contenders have a bite of the cake.

 

This routine was familiar until life suddenly turned harsh, as if i were its rival. It took my support system, a woman who singlehandedly nurtured two children away from me. Her absence altered everything.

 

It happened in the second semester of primary 5, where examination was approaching. All I wanted to do was to make my mom proud as always but grief overshadowed everything. That semester became a blur of confusion and heart break.

 

I was shattered and dissuaded. A little girl who had worked relentlessly to be academically sound was suddenly battling emotional and academic depression. The pain felt like a wound which can never be sealed. To my dismay I ended up in the 22nd position, which even broke me the more.

 

The transition

 

Life began to shift again when I migrated to a new region and had to start all over. I registered with a nearby school in the vicinity and to my surprise, I was promoted to the next class without even needing to convince the principal of the school. This unexpected favour left me contemplating. Was it God opening new doors or it was my mother’s spirit still guiding me?

 

In moments of confusion, spirituality became a lens through which I tried to understand my reality.

 

In Africa, many believe in the power of spirits and at that time, I found myself doing same.

 

Thankfully, the first semester was a stroke of luck. I performed impressively and the other semesters were built on that success.

 

A year later, I relocated again to another town within the same region and the wonders didn’t cease. Earned my second promotion and that was how I found myself in JHS 2.

 

The town where I lived and attended school, however, came with its own challenges. It was nearly 4 miles away, and the community struggled to access potable water and electricity. I boarded a car only when I had more than enough money; otherwise, I walked.

 

 

 

Poor Bece Performance

 

Soon, it was time for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The hurdles leading up to it were many. In one of the courses, candidates had to choose between answering Technical Skills or Vocational Skills questions. Naturally, I chose Vocational Skills, the area I was passionate about.

 

Not long after submitting my paper, I received a call from the principal.

“My attention has been drawn to a very serious issue concerning your exam,” she said. “The school registered you for Technical Skills, so your selection of Vocational Skills cannot work. The invigilators have granted you ten minutes to rewrite the paper.”

 

Before heaven and earth, I knew failure was inevitable for that paper. But with the others, I was confident I could still attain my As.

 

I even predicted my results before they were released. But life has taught me that the world is not always fair, and we do not alwaysget what we want. At the Internet café where results were checked, I saw the excitement on people’s faces and wished for the same.

 

But then it appeared aggregate 26.

I cried uncontrollably. It took a toll on my mental health, but eventually, I accepted it.

 

 

Rising Again

 

Notwithstanding my poor aggregate, I found myself admitted in one of the best performing senior high school in the country. Notre Dame Girls SHS. It is located at Fiapre, Sunyani in the Bono region.

 

Many of my classmates had come from international and preparatory schools, with aggregate 6,7, 8, and other impressive grades.

 

And there was me, who had also come from a government school, which was popularly referred to as “Saito”.

 

Ridicule came occasionally, but I refused to let it define me. I set goals, strived harder, and stayed focused on excelling in my final exams. Today, as I write this piece, my WASSCE results stand as proof that hard work truly yields success. I aced that exam.

 

 

Perseverance Rewarded

 

My journey continued as i gained admission to the University of Media, Arts and Communication, which was formerly referred to as the Ghana Institute of Journalism. I was driven by a desire to impact society, and become a voice for the marginalized.

 

My level hundred examination results were quite impressive even though I started with second Class Upper. Believing in my capabilities, I realised that I could actually attain a first class if I pushed harder.

 

Inspite of the hard times I faced in school, some of which words cannot fully capture, i carried on with resilience. I held on to my favourite quote “God will take care of us” He truly did. I survived nights of hunger, fought silent battles, and now when I reflect on my journey, joy is what remains.

 

As I write this piece, I am a first class degree holder in Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Indeed, God makes things beautiful in his own time.

 

The strength of a brother

 

Dear readers, join me in celebrating my older brother whose endless support and unwavering love carried me through senior high school and university.

 

This milestone would not have been possible without him. He has been my bedrock and greatest support system. Every accomplishment traces back to his sacrifice. I pray God favours him in all his endeavours and makes him great.

 

This is my tale. A proof that even broken pieces can be reshaped. To every young one struggling to hold on, know that you can begin again, and become more than you ever imagined.

 

Writer : Francisca Nanaba Amoako

Email: Franciscananaaba634@gmail.com