<p><br></p><p>In the heart of a bustling Nigerian town, I was born into a polygamous family a tapestry woven with complex relationships and silent rivalries. My father, a respected bank manager, had two wives. The first bore him three children: two daughters and a son. My mother, the second wife, gave birth to my sister and me. As the youngest, I observed the world with wide eyes, absorbing the nuances of our blended household.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Our early years were gilded with affluence. Private schools, lavish meals, and the comfort of financial stability painted our daily lives. Education came effortlessly to me; I was naturally brilliant, often excelling without the need for rigorous study. However, the tides of fortune are ever-changing.</p><p><br></p><p>A sudden dismissal from his esteemed position plunged my father into unemployment. The pillars of our prosperity crumbled, forcing us to transition from private institutions to public schools. The stark contrast was jarring, but I adapted, finding solace in my academic pursuits.</p><p><br></p><p>As we grappled with our new reality, a more formidable adversary emerged: prostate cancer. My father's health deteriorated rapidly, and our dwindling resources were channeled into his medical care. Despite our efforts, we lost him. His death not only left an emotional void but also unveiled the fragility of familial bonds. Relatives, once close, distanced themselves. My step-siblings, too, became strangers. My mother, overwhelmed and financially strained, bore the weight of our survival.</p><p><br></p><p>During this tumultuous period, I faced the challenge of funding my West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registrations. Determined not to let financial constraints hinder my aspirations, I took it upon myself to cover these expenses. Each naira saved was a testament to my resolve.</p><p><br></p><p>Amidst adversity, a beacon of hope emerged. Through perseverance and divine providence, I secured admission to the university. This milestone was not just an academic achievement but a symbol of resilience a testament to the strength forged in the crucible of hardship.</p><p><br></p><p>Reflecting on my journey, I see a narrative marked by trials, tenacity, and triumph. From the opulence of my early years to the challenges of loss and financial hardship, each chapter has sculpted my character. The shadows of my past have not dimmed my spirit; instead, they have illuminated the path to my sunrise. In the symphony of life, my story is a melody of hope, echoing the truth that even in darkness, light persists.</p>