Dear FaithFuel Family,
This February, we are thrilled to share about one scholar whose story is a true reflection of resilience and grit. His story has fueled a new fire in me; and this month, I chose to share his story from his own eyes.
“My name is Ebuka. I am an A2S scholar; I am from a family of 8. I am in my final year studying anatomy at the University of Benin. My parents, Mr. Ikechukwu and Mrs. Cecilia, are from Anambra State but they reside in Ondo State.
Before I joined A2S, I lived from hand to mouth. I had doubts about my future; I almost dropped out of school because my dad fell sick when I was in the 200 level, and my whole life became rough and difficult. I always had that kind of feeling where you are doubtful about how tomorrow is going to be. I remember always saying that tomorrow will take care of itself, but deep down I had already given up.
At the time, when my father fell sick, I discovered that I had low blood sugar, and everything was always gloomy, so I would always stay in bed. On this day, I got a flyer from someone. I didn’t have the person on my contact list, so I hesitated a little before I opened it and saw that it was from Access to Success. Some of my friends who also got the flyer said we should go for the scholarship at A2S, but I was just not ready to get my hopes up.
While I was still in my dilemma, the guy who sent it (who I later discovered was one of the A2S scholars by the name of Nosakhare) told me that one of my coursemates recommended to him that I would benefit greatly from the scholarship. My parents were overwhelmed when I told them I got the scholarship, most especially my Mum, who knew how much I wanted it. I remember her crying when I told her that I got the scholarship. She kept praying for the Foundation and the Founder. It was a burden that was lifted in my family at that time. All the odds were against me, but God showed up for me.
Access to Success has helped me view life differently. I always wanted to stay alive and follow life the way it leads me, but A2S has taught me and reminded me of something called choice. They have given me the ability to think and to make my own choices regardless of the circumstances around me.
They also taught me self development because I always thought that all I needed to succeed was to get better at books, and that in the end I would get a good job. But A2S has shifted that mindset. Now I know that I am creative and I can make things happen for myself. I recently took up data analysis, and I also have begun to explore other areas in technology like learning Python programming. I keep finding myself drawn to the tech world. One unique thing about me is that I have a photographic memory and I learn very fast. I can picture things faster, and I can easily relate to things faster.
During my most challenging time, one scripture has always stood out for me: Jeremiah 29:11, and it has shown to be true in my life when A2S stepped into my life. There were plans that I wanted to forfeit and go back to studying pharmacy, but God came through and He has been leading me ever since.
I faced several other challenges, from having to deal with the school accommodation conditions to not having the opportunity to practicalize what I had learned. Now I can smile while looking back because I wrote my last paper in the last week of January, and I am so filled with gratitude for how God has brought me to an expected end.
I am super excited about the Internship Program that A2S is introducing as it will help me get the right experience and I will get to practicalize what I have learned so far. I hope to see and get in touch with mentors who have walked the path of my career.”
Ebuka’s story will forever be implanted in our hearts as one scholar whose faith and determination in God brought him to the light of God’s will. Your prayers and support reach the ends of the world affecting each kid at a time.
Until we see each other again,
Omotayo
Communications Coordinator
