I was the girl from the trenches, I never enjoyed the luxuries of life that most of my mates did. I lived in a shabby home and even attended a charity school and tried my best to make my family proud.
However, after high school, I wanted to be an actress, I love to act but I never got the opportunity.
One day, my friend Maureen came home excited to inform me of an audition she thinks I should try out, I was quite skeptical about it, but my guts never fail, so I decided to give it a shot.
The day arrived, I was all dressed in a very sleek dress, a wine color to be precise, and my heels added confidence to my look Maureen gave me the "you can do it girl" look, so we both left home for the audition, she accompanied me to the venue so I felt at home.
When I got to the venue, the hall was a very massive one, in front of me were three judges, A male, and two females, we all know that females are mostly the critics but I never cared, I just wanted to show them the stuff I was made up of.
I sat patiently in the hall waiting to be called upon as I want the 15th contestant, the review on some of my fellow contestants was kind of blunt, coming from the female judges, "I expected that", I murmured. I hope mine turns out well.
A few hours later, it was my turn, I stood up, said a silent prayer, and headed to the stage. was given the role of a mad woman, and I acted as if I'd been mad before, why wouldn't I? This has been my passion to act in different characters.
After about five minutes, I was back in my seat, to listen to my review, I was still criticized for one thing or the other, well I did my best I soliloquized.
After the day was over, the judges promised to contact the lucky five who were short-listed and that the winners would have the opportunity to be featured in a soap opera.
"I wish I would be chosen", I whispered to Maureen, and then we left the venue.
Weeks passed, and I didn't receive any call so I carried on with my regular activities.
One day, I was just home alone watching a movie when I got a call, "who could this be?", As the number wasn't saved on my contact list, I went ahead to take the call anyways, and lo and behold it was " The Peter kings Audition Representative", I was among the lucky five! Did you hear me loud enough? I screamed excitedly, I guess my voice was loud enough to wake the dead, so I decided to share this great news with Maureen and of course, she was excited too.
I started to work in the movie industry, I started with soap operas, to home videos and before you know it, I was now a celebrity. I got deals upon deals, I was even a brand ambassador for a popular toothpaste brand.
I need to make some people feel good, I thought to myself, I was once in the trenches, so I decided to visit my old school before I did, I informed the principal of the school what my plan was and so we fixed a date, and he informed all the students that an exco of the school was visiting, but he never disclosed my identity, it was supposed to be a surprise.
I sent money for the school hall to be decorated and for food and drinks and even gifts.
The beautiful day arrived, I rocked a beautiful dress courtesy of "Amie Couture", I didn't come around with any guard I wanted to be free and happy.
As I drove right into the school premises, everyone was anticipating who the guest was.
I and Maureen who has become my personal assistant stepped down from the car, the voices we heard were thunderous, the kids were excited to have a celebrity in their midst.
Many ran to hug me, and I welcomed them with open arms, Maureen took pictures of us and then we headed to the hall.
The hall was painted white, great lighting lit up the whole space, with beautiful artificial flowers on the wall as decor, the seats were beautiful mini couches, it was well ventilated, and by the left-hand side, was the Mixologist who was ready to slam in the music, by the right-hand side was the Master of Ceremony, and in front was the high table, this time not of judges but there was seated my Principal, the vice and the teachers, they all gave me a standing ovation as a sign of honor as I walked in, the smiles on their faces were heartwarming, I felt honored, fulfilled and welcomed.
The table which was beside the Master of Ceremony was covered with a beautiful white tablecloth, and on it were assorted drinks, cocktails, and small chops and of course a Buffet service, I wanted them to eat to their satisfaction and have a good time.
After giving my speech, the principal gave his, and then the fun started, the Dj ensured that he played a hit song back to back and I watched the children dance and even get a gift, and then the school's prefect gave the vote of thanks, it took about 3hours for the event to be over as I had other commitments to attend to.
When I got home, later that day, I sat on my couch all smiles reminiscing about how my day went, I think it was the best time of my life and for sure not just mine but that of my school "Jayjay High School".
I am Dobie and this is my story.