SHEILA'S AWAKENING ( A Nigeria Story)

A turning point

It was pouring heavily outside while Sheila was standing close to the living room window. As she stands there watching the rain water trickles down the window , creating tiny droplets of water that seems to symbolize the tears she has been holding in all her life.
She thinks about The struggles her family has gone through in life, The feeling of being trapped in a life she doesn't want, The fear that she might never escape the cycle of poverty,The frustration and helplessness that comes with feeling stuck.
This quiet moment of introspection is a turning point, as Sheila prepares to face new challenges and make bold decisions that will shape her future. Despite her outstanding academic achievements - All A's in her A-level results and a impressive score of 356 in her second JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board) exam - her dreams of attending university seems to be slipping away. The weight of her parents' financial struggles bears down on her, and the wait for a solution has been long and disheartening.

Three months have passed since her second JAMB exam, and eight months since her A-level results, yet the financial support she needs remains elusive. Sheila's initial hope that her mother would find a way to raise the funds has begun to fade, replaced by a growing sense of desperation and determination.
With time running out, Sheila realizes she can't just sit by and wait for a miracle. She must take matters into her own hands, explore alternative options, and fight for her future.
After leaving the living room to go to bed, her thoughts and worries still kept her awake.
So She begins to research and explore options, scouring the internet, talking to her teachers for advise on and reaching out to organizations that offer scholarships to deserving students. She discovers a few promising opportunities and decides to apply, pouring her heart and soul into the applications.
As she waits for the results, Sheila's anxiety gets worse. Will she receive the scholarship she so desperately needs? Will her hard work and determination pay off? The uncertainty is nerve-wracking, but she remains hopeful, knowing that this could be her ticket to a brighter future.
Few weeks has passed since Sheila poured her heart to different scholarship application online.
Finally, she received an email and Sheila's heart skips a beat as she opens it to find out if her dreams will become a reality. She screamed so loud out of joy, which caught the attention of her mother who was busy preparing breakfast for the house.
"Are you trying to wake your father this early?"," what's with all the commotion young woman?"
Sheila, still in disbelief, waves the phone in the air, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Mum, I got it! I got the scholarship! I'm going to university!"
Her mother's expression changes from mild annoyance to shock and delight. "Oh, Sheila! Oh, my baby! Congratulations!"
The two share a warm embrace, basking in the joy of this life-changing moment. The scholarship is a dream come true, and Sheila's future is now filled with endless possibilities.
As they hug, Sheila's father, awakened by the commotion, emerges from his room, bleary-eyed, and asks, "What's all the fuss about?"
Sheila's mother excitedly fills him in but the expression on his face change the whole moment.
"You are not going anywhere and that's final!" Says Sheila's father, " I don't understand what you mean by that statement father". "I worked hard for this and I'm going , that's final!".
Sheila stomped out of the room leaving only her parents.
"Why are you being selfish Adam?", you know hard she hard worked for this moment" Sheila mother pleas with him. "This is not a good idea Mary she needs to focus on getting a job and helping the family,not chasing some fancy education" he said leaving no room for more conversation as he leaves the room. Despite her father's disapproval, she takes matters into her own hands and replies to the email, formally accepting the scholarship. This act of independence and determination marks a turning point in their relationship and her future.
With a deep breath, Sheila clicks the "accept" button, knowing that this decision will have far-reaching consequences. She feels a mix of emotions: excitement for the opportunities ahead, anxiety about her father's reaction, and a sense of empowerment for taking control of her life, after all she is an adult.
As she closes the email, Sheila prepares herself for the confrontation that is sure to come. She knows that her father will be angry, but she also knows that she has made the right decision for her future. The scholarship is a chance to break free from the poverty life her father has put them into all their life because of his selfishness.
  She heard a knock on her door, as she opens it, she was met by two identical mischievous smile.Her twins older brothers, hope and John.
"Can we come in Mrs scholar said hope", "of course" said Sheila with a smile. Hope sense humor always brings people joy even their father.
"What's the plan sheshe(a nickname only john calls her), you are not going to allow father hold you down right?".
With determination in her eyes, "absolutely not!".
"Thank goodness, at least the only smart person in the house should get to make it in life",.......emmmm John clears his throat which always means he is about to say something stupid. " I heard they will be giving you allowance, would you like to invest alittle in my betting life sheshe?", " we promise you good profit said the twins at the same time". Sheila got annoyed by their words and asked them to leave her room.
As the twins leave her room, Sheila is left to reflect on the complexities of her family dynamics. Despite their flaws and disagreements, they are her support system, and she knows they will ultimately come around to support her decision and if they don't she shall Move on.