I was just ten years old when I earned my very first money, a moment that remains one of the most unforgettable chapters of my childhood. It happened during one of those long, happy school holidays when my family traveled to our village. Back then, holidays in the village meant early mornings going to stream, fun, laughter with cousins, and unexpected adventures waiting around every corner.
One day we went to stream, all the kids wwre talking about this running competition that was organized in the village kids around my age bracket and The prize? ₦1,000. I know Today it might sound small, but at that time, ₦1,000 was a huge amount of money, something unimaginable for a child. Running had always been my passion. I loved the thrill, the speed, the feeling of leaving everything behind me as my feet hit the ground and there and then I told myself that am in for it!!
However, there was a problem.🤦
Earlier that year, I had suffered a small dislocation during my school inter-house sports. Because of that, my father was strongly against me participating in any race, although He was only being protective, so when I told him about the race it was a big NO from him, but my heart burned with determination. I knew I could do it. I believed in my strength, my training, and my love for running.
So, with a mix of fear and courage, I made a bold decision—I sneaked out
I joined the competition quietly, my heart pounding very fast and louder than the cheers around me. When the race started, everything else disappeared. I ran like my life depended on it, my mind on the prize,Every step carried my dreams, my excitement, and my stubborn belief in myself. When I crossed the finish line and realized I had won, I was overwhelmed. I had done it. I had earned ₦1,000 with my own sweat and effort. My first earning.💪💃💃💃
I was over the moon with happiness.
But joy, as they say, can be short-lived—especially in a village full of “amibo” people. Before I could even get home, congratulatory messages had already reached my father. People I never sent messages to were happily announcing my victory. Abeg Who sent them? 🤷🏽♀️
When I got home, my father toke my money away as punishment for disobeying him. My heart sank. But after much pleading, tears, and intervention from my mother and other family members, something beautiful happened. My father called me, hugged me tightly, returned the money, and told me how proud he was of me.
That moment meant more than the ₦1,000.
That holiday, I didn’t just earn money,I earned confidence, courage, and a lifelong lesson which is that hard work pays, that belief in yourself matters, and that sometimes, even discipline can end in love and pride.
It was my first earning, and it remains one of my greatest victories. 💛
Thanx for stopping by at my blog
I will love to read ur story too
