Life is not a bed of roses, but, it brings the best in us. There are times in life, we wish we could control them, and, there are things in life, we wish we had forever.
I'm Winifred Godson and I'll be sharing my story with you.
I was born into a middle-class family.
My parents were neither rich nor poor, but, they showed me genuine love and care. My parents tried their best to give me the best life any child would love to have. I was not born with a silver spoon, but, I had one of the best childhood experiences.
Change they say is constant. My transition from adolescence stage to adulthood made me see the other side of life.
I had to adjust and adapt to the new normal, which includes, high cost of living, high standard of living, inflation, depressed and the rest.
I gained admission into the tertiary institution at a tender age. I found it very weird, being in a new environment, meeting new people with different lifestyle.
Day and night, I watched them walk in pairs, while I sat alone and pondered. I met different people, who tried to lure me into sexual activity, but, I declined and detached myself completely, because I knew what the outcome will be.
"Winifred, you're no longer a baby, you need a partner, you need to start getting intimate " those were the words I heard each day from my roommate's.
I managed to stay celibate
Up to my 300 level.
It wasn't an easy task dealing with the sexual urge and everything involved.
That was one big temptation I tried to overcome.
Dad retired in my final year and believe me, it was the toughest moment of my life.
I cried all night, thinking of where I'll get my school fees and project money from.
There were so many mouth watering offers from politicians and rich men.
At some point, I almost lost it, but, my mum's words kept me going.
Mum taught me how to pray and trust God.
These were the words of my mum, "It's important to resist your Temptation, even when it's difficult. Temptation will always be there, trying to lead you astray. But it's up to you to choose the right path" From that day on, I always remembered to resist Temptation, no matter how hard it was. And in doing so, I found a strength and resilience I never knew I had.
A few months to my internal defense, I lost hope, because, they was no money to do the necessary things.
I was tempted to call Mr Smith, telling him I've agreed to have carnal knowledge with him, so he the pay me and I'll use the money to sort out my project.
My conscience didn't let me do it.
I had to find another way out and finally, I found a part time job.
I was able to save up money for my project.
Everything turned out well.
I'm glad I didn't fall into the temptation of sexual immorality.
I graduated against all odds and got employed as an Accountant into one the biggest firms in my country.
Five days after resumption, I encountered another temptation. My older colleagues tried luring and compelling me into doing fraudulent activities.
I declined, despite the juicy offer. They threatened to make me loose my job.
It became too much for me to bear.
I was asked to choose between loosing my job or obeying their words.
I had no other option than to resign.
Few weeks later, I was summoned by the CEO of the firm I left.
On getting there, I received a standing ovation from my CEO and my older colleagues.
Congratulations Winifred, you passed the test.
I was speechless and overwhelmed.
Right there, I received my appointment letter, a promotion letter and a salary increase.
Indeed, temptations will always be there, but, it is important to resist it, even when it's difficult.
I'm glad I resisted the temptation.
I'm now the Managing Director of JEBs Initiative.