AN AWFUL MOMENT - Ladies of Hive contest #149

While my most embarrassing moment was a source of discomfort at the time, it has become a cherished memory that reminds me of the beauty in embracing imperfections. This experience taught me to find humor in the unexpected, to be kind to myself, and to foster connections through vulnerability. Ultimately, it's these moments that make the journey of life richer and more meaningful.

I had just completed my junior secondary school and was moving into the senior college in my state. I was still a teenager at the time and I as a beautiful girl with so much positivity and boldness. I was nominated to present a speech for the graduating class and I was so elated. I recall several rehearsals at home and inviting a lot of people to come and see me present a speech. You know that feeling when you were chosen form a task despite being the youngest, I could barely sleep.

The set day cane and I was to be called up stage in few seconds. I muttered a few words of prayer while the crowd cheered, I soon as I got up, I noticed the applaud and cheering reduced, people were murmuring, some boys were laughing and pointing at me while I moved, my mum sat face down and I could not wrap my head around what was going on. One step up the stairs and my class-teacher approached me to hand my speech to her that my skirt was stained.

When I looked at my skirt the satin was so bad and visible that I felt like I should just disappear, how do I walk back? I was so sure I had my pad on. So many thoughts, so many questions to answer but I finally gathered the courage to walk back. My joy was turned to tears.

After cleaning up myself, I went into my Mums car until the event came to a close. I wanted to change school but my Mum never wanted that. She was my pillar and source of encouragement until I out-grew the effect of that happening.

Today I am grown and looking back at that experience, I use it as a tool to teach on menstrual hygiene to young girls. I have my mum to be thankful for holding my hands through that difficult stage.

@promiseumah1