Finding Opportunity Where I Least Expect

Photo by Max Fischer

There is a common saying: “To be a man is not a day job,” which literally means that it's not easy to be a man.

Unlike other children in my place, I was not privileged to learn a skill while I was growing up.

It is like a culture down here due to the economic hardship, every parent considers it an advantage to enroll their children in learning one skill or the other while growing up, so that even if the government doesn't employ them, they will have something to make ends meet when they eventually grow up.

But my case was different; my parents were so obsessed with education, they believed that it was the key to success and wealth.

They focused mostly on ensuring I went to school rather than acquiring a skill. I really appreciate their efforts. Nevertheless, we make plans, but fate decides what happens.

After going to the best schools around and graduating from college, life suddenly became weird.

I thought that as soon as I graduated with a good result, everything would fall into place. Jobs will be hunting for me like some gold, but the reverse was the case.

Life kept becoming worse, I couldn't cater for myself and support my family. Sometimes when I am interacting with my father, he would smartly throw a punch, “Emreal, you are now a graduate. Maybe you should buy a meal for the house one of these days.”

It usually feels like a punch in the gut. He knows fully that I have been trying to get a job too, but things are just refusing to fall into place. I have already tried different things, worked in building sites, and tried to learn a skill, all to no avail.

In my quest to make ends meet, I came across Isaac, a friend of mine in high school, at a musical concert at my church. It has been years since we met after graduation.

It was at the gate after the service closed, he stood outside exchanging greetings with an elderly woman.

The young man's face looked familiar, but the stature was strange, the body size and height had increased, and what fueled my doubt the most was the full-grown beard that covered his face.

While I was still lost in doubt whether it was him or not, I drew closer and allowed him to finish talking with the woman.

“Hello, good evening,” I greeted, extending a warm handshake.

“No way, Emreal!” He grabbed my hand and hugged me tightly.

Whoa, my eyes widened, “You still recognize me?”

“Yes, of course, how would I forget the quiet boy in class back at high school? Moreover, you still retain your looks, the only difference now is your beard,” he chuckled.

“Come on, don't mock me,” I laughed. “You know I was doubting if it was you or not, you have changed totally, your height, body size, and your voice. Guy, you are now a man,” I teased him.

“Do you think so? Guy, it's been almost six years since we left high school, and you don't expect me to look the same. You have changed, too. Don't mind what I said earlier,” he responded.

“So, how is life with you?” I asked.

“Well, fine brother, how about you?” He inquired.

“Managing, man,” I responded.

“What do you mean by managing?” He asked, looking straight into my eyes.

My face drifted to the ground as I sighed deeply. “Bro, since I graduated, I have been job hunting, but it is as if everything is against me. I dropped applications in different places, but none called.”

“Oh my God, sorry about that man,” he patted my back and remained silent for some moment, then added, "Can you do a teaching job?"

I quickly lifted my eyes. "Is that a question?" I fondly replied.

He laughed, "You haven't changed with silly questions."

“Bro, yeah, I can do anything, I just need a job,” I replied.

“Give me your phone number,” he demanded.

I didn't hesitate, I called it out, and he saved it and flashed me instantly.

“Tomorrow, at 10:00 am, come to Ungwa Affi, stop at the Assemblies of God, and give me a call. Please come with your credentials, both original and photocopies.”

I sighed deeply, followed by some moment of silence. I didn't know whether to hug him or carry him.

“Isaac, God will reward you richly,” I whispered as I gave him a brotherly hug.

The next day, I dressed cooperatively, wearing my black plain trousers, a white button-down long sleeve, well tucked in the trousers, and white sneakers.

At exactly 10 o'clock in the morning, I was at the Assemblies of God as described by Isaac, holding my documents in a white office file. Immediately I arrived, I called Isaac, and he kept his word.

When he saw me, he exclaimed, “Wow, you look dazzling, Emreal.”

“Thank you,” I replied as I followed him.

In no time, we arrived at the school, the signboard read “Salvation International Academy.”

We entered a small office, separated from a classroom with a long ceiling having a narrow door.

“Sit down please,” a woman, almost the age of my mother, dressed in a long black skirt and sky blue button-down shirt, told me with a grin on her face.

As soon as I sat, she ordered Isaac to leave us. “Can I have your documents?” she requested.

I didn't hesitate, I handed the file to her, she checked it and removed the photocopies, and gave me back the originals.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki

“Congratulations, Emreal, you may resume work tomorrow, " she said.

I was surprised, "No interview?" I wondered within.

“You are surprised I didn't interview you, right? Mr Isaac is one of our best teachers, he is my assistant, he recommended you and told me I need not worry about anything,” she replied.

“Woah,” I exclaimed audibly. With an uncontrollable smile on my face, standing up on my feet, I said, “Thanks, Ma.”

“Meanwhile, you will take three classes, you will be the permanent class teacher of Junior secondary school, one, and you will teach them basic science, Agriculture And you will also take Primary Four and Five, Basic Science, and Agriculture.”

Gosh, the smiles on my face became faint; that was too much, but I needed money.

“It is okay, ma'am, how much will you pay me?” I asked.

“Eight thousand Naira for a start," she sounded bold and serious.

Hmm, I sighed, my voice deepened, “It is okay. I'll resume tomorrow.”

Eight thousand Naira was too little, my house was far from the school, and I needed to eat too, but I couldn't reject the offer, it was like my only hope.

I appreciated Isaac that day and left. The next day, I resumed work and was handed my appointment letter.

The work was tough at first, being in a classroom after a long period of time with junior students felt like hell.

I had to start waking up early to avoid being late, sleeping late at night to prepare for class, and learn how to interact with children. It was not an easy deal. But it was the only option I had. Eventually, I got used to it and I started to enjoy it.

The job became my source of income, and out of what I earned, I supported my family and met some of my basic needs.

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