Values that shaped me through life journey

When changes occurred from childhood to adulthood, in my mother's opinion, she wanted a good school for all her children. The only option was a boarding school. At first, I felt that my parents hated me and wanted me out of the house to face their daily hustle routine.

It was a right decision that they made, and now I benefit from it. It was my first day in boarding school, and like everyone else, I was frightened and scared. Changing the environment can be tough sometimes. But little by little, I got used to the lifestyles and tried to survive.

Most of the school food wasn't good enough, but it didn't kill me, and one of the things I'm grateful for to date is not getting an ulcer. The meal has its own time; we weren't allowed to have provisions but just bread and fruits. I didn't like most of the food, which resulted in me doing trade-by-batter. It was common to exchange food for something more valuable. I exchange mine for money while I go hungry most of the time. There were no carteens around, so my money was stuck on the walls of my purse, but they were made available during the visiting day. The money I used for my trade or batter, I saved them, hoping that by visiting, I would get some snacks, but most times I don't even use the money as most times my parents bring large quantities of food that I can't even finish.

This little act shaped me into learning the act of saving. Little by little, the money I saved through trade and barter was becoming a huge amount, which I didn't even know what to use, but I kept it safe in my purse.

My father happened to know about this, which I can't explain. That was how I became his bank. This little act shaped me into a world of simplicity and contentment. As tempting as it is to take other people's things, I just can't see myself doing so, so either I turn a blind eye and walk away.
I can easily keep his money whenever he needs it. I released the money to him without it being touched. My brother, inclusive, took advantage of that, and I saved their money for them until it was needed. I was accountable and trustworthy. This is one of the values that few people have.

Things became worse at some point. The regular three-square meal, which we normally have, was so hard to come by; it was the worst situation for us. Most of my siblings have to change schools due to the situation. We survived due to the little token I managed to save, but then it wasn't enough. My mother embarked on the little trade business of making snacks and selling them, including poultry, planting cassava, and much more. Everyone was home, so there were many hands involved in farming. We planted cassava, groundnut, vegetables, and yams. These farm products sustained us during those trying times, and that was how I picked up an interest in farming and business. These skills help me so much that most times, when I change environments, I look for businesses to settle in my new location.