MY SECONDARY SCHOOL STORY

In my secondary school days, I was neither entirely bad nor good. I came from a strict Christian home with strong discipline, but I was surrounded by hotheaded boys in my environment. Even the guys who "controlled" my school system were tough characters. So, my personality became a mix of both worlds. I never drank or smoked, but you’d often find me among the most daring guys, trying to play the "good boy" card.  

One time, there was a party planned at a lounge in Gwarimpa Estate. Some of the boys approached me to contribute money for the event. They all knew I came from a "soft" home, so they believed I’d have plenty to give. But the truth was, I didn’t receive any allowance at home. My only hope was waiting for visitors to dash me money.  

To avoid falling my hand embarrassing myself, I couldn’t tell my family I was going to a party. But I really needed money to contribute. So, I reached out to a good friend, an industrial student who always had a little cash because he worked at construction sites on free school days. He said, "If you need money, join me at the site tomorrow to carry sand and blocks." Ah boy! All I wanted was cash what kind of "carry sand and block" nonsense was that? He just stared and said, "Meet me tomorrow by 7am at Life Camp Junction. We go dey go site."  

I went home and thought about my life. Carry sand and block ke? I’m not SpiderMan! But I needed to contribute that party money. How would people feel hearing that "this big boy" didn’t pay up.  

The next morning, I opened my wardrobe and wore my finest clothes my Christmas clothes. I peeked out of my room, checked the sitting room… no one in sight. I quietly dashed out.  

My friend was shocked to see me dressed like a "project owner’s son" for manual labor. With no choice, he took me to the site. When we arrived, everyone thought I was the contractor’s son… until my friend introduced me as his laborer. One mason laughed and said, "This one fit carry shovel from ground so?

Within 30 minutes, they led me to where the cement was stored and asked me to mix a bag of cement with four wheelbarrows of sand. Ah, Jesu! A whole bag of cement? Una wan kill person? I came here for money, not to become a cement mixer.

Luckily, the masons noticed my struggle and helped me mix everything. Then came the worst part, carrying cement pans up two floors to the masons. God, why money life dey hard like this?! I loaded the pan on my head, and my neck nearly detached from my trembling legs.  

After barely delivering the first load, I told the masons, "I wan go buy pure water," then grabbed my shoes and ran home. My God! I quit! Damn the party, damn everybody.

That Monday at school, my friend laughed till tears filled his eyes.  

Years later, my friend studied Building Engineering at the University of Minna. Today, he’s a certified engineer and even an NDLEA officer. He taught me the value of hard work and using my hands to earn money. Even as am an accountant now, I know way too much about building!  

My eternal love and gratitude go to Engineer Daniel Okon my lifelong teacher and friend.  

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Osagie Jonah 

#weekend 

#inspiration 

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