In the face of childhood limitations

We took turns riding in wheelbarrows, and the motorcycle tires were the wheels we played with while growing up. The best my parents could afford was a public school; nonetheless, I had the choice to make, to rule, or to be ruled. Perhaps this contributed to the reason I could not ride a bicycle until recently, last year, when I bought one and had to learn that, which other children had been exposed to decades ago.

Being born into a polygamous family, there were many others to be taken care of, even with the limited resources. How did I get there? Families that are not wealthy usually have many children to help out on the farms, but most do end up as mediocre or among those to be ruled by the wealthy. And for me, I was among the last to be born; all earnings and savings had been exhausted by the older siblings. Though I was among the favorites, I had little showered on me to show for it.

First, I was in a school for the elite; the parents of my classmates were university staff or were in the academic field. My mom was a nurse, and my dad was a struggling pensioner. I was fortunate to have two pairs of uniforms, at least one of which I could interchange every alternate day. But I had to trek at least 6 km in a growing and civilized environment. Why? A car was a luxury, and even a motorcycle was a wishful thought for my parents.

My grades were poor at the start of elementary school. I was carried away by friends whose parents had influence and affluence. I showed with pride the little I could afford, thinking I was matching up. My first repeat was in the first grade of primary school, and my dad vehemently declined my promotion based on probation. My wings were tamed, my pride dashed, and I wondered why I deserved the retrogression.

Then again, the primary two class was only a fair improvement. I remember being laughed at when I said, "Good, gooder, goodest." At such a tender age, I understood what embarrassment was. I could choose to continue playing or to be committed to my books, which would ultimately define my achievements in life. Do I blame my parents for not purchasing the textbooks or for not paying the tuition promptly, as I was frequently chased out of the classroom for not being up to date with my fees?

Rather than console myself with piles of excuses and remain stagnant or regressive, I took the bull by the horns, and only then did I see and appreciate my parents support. I was enrolled in an extra mural class so that I could catch up faster with my books after showing signs of readiness to learn. I had to show my parents I was worth being invested in and this, they came an extra mile for me because of the extra mile I went. Little wonder, I was assigned the hallowed position of 'head boy' where children of the elites schooled and eventually made the school and especially my parents proud by coming in second place in my state during the national common entrance examination.

Then, yet again, I relaxed. I thought I had arrived as a champion, but good for me, I was in the midst of brilliant and intelligent kids, and my foundation yet again was tried. I was relegated in position as regards my academics in junior secondary school right before I could say 'jack'. This time around, I had no overseeing parents to encourage me or provide extra tutorial classes. I had to find my footing in my early days of high school, which was burdensome but eventually became light for me to carry. I survived alone in a boarding school that was at least an 8-hour journey away. I could not sneak out of the school to where you would, even if I did. I faced my troubles alone and laid on my bed, just the way I wanted to lie on it.

**This was my childhood lesson. I was to face my future alone and would only get out of the life in which I had invested. Thankfully, I passed my high school national exams, even though I was not among the top but definitely above average.

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I learned as a child to identify my position in society, manage my two school uniforms as a form of contentment, and yet not be defined by my surrounding limitations. As an adult, I do not live in luxury, and I am not greedy to have one, but I am striving hard enough to not be stagnated or retrogressive.

Here is my entry into #aprilinleo monthly and daily prompts. You can participate via this LINK

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.