There are times when I have had to laugh, making a mockery of myself anytime I remember our dreams as children and where we have found ourselves today. Life happens and everything just went down the rail. As we journey in life, the unexpected happens making things change and then finding ourselves on a different path.
It made me remember the scripture that says man proposes, but God dispose, and another part that says many are the plans of humans, but the Lord's plan will come to pass.
As a young child just like the rest, I had my dream and what I would become in future. I could remember imagining myself as a banker who would put on a black suit and trousers heading to the bank and counting money. This is because I saw adults around me working in banks and living a good life. I always had the thought that those who are working in banks are rich. So, I envisioned such a life for myself.
But as the years went by and I was also in primary 4 or 5, my mind changed and I wanted something else. There was this favourite aunt with whom we lived together in the same compound. She started this daily lesson when we were on holiday.
She came up with the idea to get busy and also make money for herself. She gathered every kid together, informing them to tell their parents that the lesson would start every day, and it was #10 each per child. Money was valued then and everything was very cheap and not like today.
I was the class captain, and whenever she needed to excuse herself, she would tell me to take over, holding her cane and instructing me to make sure there was no noise. I was also in charge of collecting the fees which I would report to her at the end of the lesson.
My dream of becoming a teacher was an idea inspired by this lady, and it stuck with me for years. I wanted to be known as someone who impacts knowledge into young children's lives. I wanted to be in the office of other teachers, marking and grading pupils' scores and notes. I wanted to have stories to share of how I met those I have taught and how such moments could make me feel fulfilled and proud.
Fast forward to the year 2011 when I wrote my jamb and chose the University of Ilorin. The time for post-jamb came, and my dream went back to being a banker. I registered for banking and finance. Life happened, I was not admitted. It pained me so much that my dream of becoming a banker was gradually drifting away.
The year 2012 came, and after going back and forth, I was advised to go to a college of education since I had been at home and I was beginning to feel discouraged, especially seeing my mates in the university.
I went in the hope of studying business administration, at least I could work in a bank or something similar to it. However, I was given another course to study, which was in line with education and teaching, all because I didn't meet the cut-off mark for the course, and I didn't want to stay at home again waiting for another admission.
I finally settled for my teaching dream and this time, there was no changing of mind. I became more passionate about the profession, and after I graduated, I taught in different schools, which I enjoyed.
Though life happened and due to various factors, many dreams are left for another; some actually went for it after years of struggles, while others couldn't, even though they wanted to and eventually forgot to pursue something differently.
But for me, I'm glad I ended up going for my dream job even though it's been months since I stopped teaching due to unemployment, and here I am into writing, which I have come to love and admire. If my dream of teaching comes knocking again, I would be glad to accept and embrace it with joy, knowing I am still walking on that path.
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