Tell Your story #52 || They Told Me to Drop Out, But I Chose to Rise.

Greetings, beautiful Steemit family!
First, I want to sincerely thank the amazing team behind the “Tell Your Story” contest for creating a space where voices like mine can be heard, felt, and celebrated. Your platform gives many of us the courage to share our truths, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. This is my entry for this edition, a story I carry deeply in my heart. Thank you so ma @ruthjoe.

My lonely night

There was a night I sat alone in the dark, no power, no food, and no clear plan. I had just cried myself to sleep again. In my mind, one thought repeated over and over:
“Maybe it’s time to give up. Maybe I should drop out.”

It was a thought I never wanted to entertain. But life has been hard, painfully hard. And sometimes, even the strongest ones break.

shoulder that carries all the burden

Since my senior secondary school days, I’ve been the one carrying my own load. No one sponsors me. No one pays my bills. From school fees to food, clothing, and data for assignments,I provide for myself. People admire my strength, but they don’t see the silent nights I cry, the sacrifices I make, or the pain I swallow just to keep going.

My recent challenge and battle

Recently, my school released the deadline for fee payment — ₦55,700, due by July 2nd. I hustled and managed to gather ₦15,000, but before I could save more, survival happened. I had to eat. I had to take care of needs. The money was gone.

Desperate, I reached out to one of the few relatives I had my aunty. I thought maybe this one time, someone would care. But her response broke me deeper than I imagined.

She warned me never to ask her for financial help again. Then she said something I still hear in my head:
“If you’re tired of handling your bills, then drop out of school.”

Those words pierced my chest. They echoed the fear I had tried to silence. Was I really going to drop out? After coming this far?

But no.
No. I chose to rise.

I may not have everything figured out. I may cry some nights. But I will not give up on myself. I’ve come too far to throw my dreams away.

My strength

Even while carrying this burden, I’m still here writing, still trying, still believing.
Because deep inside, I know this season will pass. And when my story is told, it won’t be about how I failed, it will be about how I fought, even with nothing in my hand but hope.

To anyone else reading this, who is tired, overwhelmed, or barely holding on, please, don’t let go. You’re not alone. And you’re stronger than you think.

This is not a sad story.
This is a survival story.
This is me — rising again.

I want to invite my friends. Here they are: @mercybliss @alexanderpeace and @destinedhanik

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If this touched your heart in any way, I hope you walk away knowing that you’re never truly alone.
Life can be hard, but as long as you keep showing up, even with tears in your eyes, you are winning.
Never be ashamed of your scars. They are signs that you’re still fighting.