Finding Myself in a City of Dreams

Growing up, I was always told I had a unique path ahead of me. But like most people, my journey was filled with unexpected twists and turns, each one teaching me something new about who I was and what I could become.

When I finished university with a degree in English and Literary Studies, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I dreamed of building a meaningful career, one that would allow me to inspire others. But in Nigeria’s challenging job market, dreams have a way of being tested. My first job was as a sales representative at Brighter Haven, where I spent four months learning the art of connecting with people, understanding their needs, and, ultimately, selling more than just products—I was selling trust. It was here that I discovered my knack for relating to people, a skill that would serve me well as my career evolved.

After a few months, I took on a different role, working as a secretary at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Rivers State. This job came during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a period when I was still finding my footing. It was here that I developed resilience, balancing work with the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with youth service. The days were long, the tasks sometimes routine, but each day felt like a step toward something bigger. Little did I know, it was all building up to the person I am today.

In between jobs, I battled with self-doubt. There were days I questioned my worth and wondered if my efforts would ever lead to something meaningful. Yet, my core belief remained: I had a great destiny, something different, and I couldn’t settle for less. This belief kept me going, even as I faced personal and professional hurdles. The world of work was not always kind, and the weight of being alone, especially in a bustling city like Lagos, only made things harder.

Still, I knew I wanted to make an impact, so I tried my hand at different roles—project management, human resources, and marketing. Every role brought its own set of challenges, but it also gave me the tools I needed to understand myself better. I learned to adapt, to work with what I had, and, most importantly, to never let go of my vision.

In recent years, I’ve found myself drawn to data analytics, an area where I can combine my curiosity with concrete skills to help businesses thrive. But my journey has never been just about career success. I’ve always wanted to give back, to help people who feel lost or uncertain, just as I once did. That’s why I’ve started thinking about creating a platform for career guidance, a place where others can find mentorship, support, and encouragement to follow their paths.

Lagos has become my home now—a city that’s both harsh and beautiful, filled with dreams and disappointments. Every time I face a challenge here, I remind myself of everything I’ve been through to get to this point. I’m stronger than I used to be, more fearless, and every day brings me closer to the person I want to be.

As I look to the future, I know there’s still so much left to discover, both about myself and about the world around me. My journey is far from over, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every experience, no matter how difficult, is shaping me for the road ahead. And maybe, just maybe, my story can inspire others to keep going, to trust in their own unique paths, and to never settle for less.