If persistence was a person, it would be my sister.

Growing up together, we've always been mistaken to be twins because of the so many physical and behavioural features we share, however, we are not. Sometimes, people mistake me for her, and I had pretended to be her on so many occasions because it got tiring to have to continue to tell people that we are two different people. Also, starting to state out the differences between us because most times, we get held down by the “how are you different question” we would rather listen to the information and relay it to the right person.

Growing up with my sister, I learnt a lot of things, some of which I adopted and the others, I just let them be and took it as part of what contributed to our individual differences.

My sister's physical strength has always been a kind of wonder for me because of the way she effortlessly did things without breaking down or having a feel of it. Honestly, I get jealous, and I wish I had her strength. But, again, that's one of the things that differentiate us from each other.

My sister taught me persistence in a way I will never forget.

My sister finished high school about fifteen years ago but didn't gain admission into the university until 2017. Why? Her final exams in secondary school which served as the basic entry requirement (WAEC) had literature-in-English, a compulsory subject required for her course of study missing. The exam cost quite a lot to retake, so, she combined working two jobs, starting a business of her own, and studying together.

After about five trials, she finally cleared all her exams, and gained admission into one of the best universities in Nigeria, and I was elated. I couldn't keep calm when I got the news. I jumped, screamed, laughed, screamed again, and hugged myself to make up for her absence to receive the hug. It was an exciting moment for me, for her, and for our family.

One of the things that keeps the sisterhood bond between us stronger is the shared moments between us. The moment of loss, failure, happiness, failed relationships, and even depression. We share everything.

She got to school, and another set of issues occurred, one that could give her an extra year. She cried alone, and a lot. Distance did that, but, for the access to mobile phones which kept us communicating through the night, it took her less time to stand up, dust herself, and get going.

In 2021 when I attended her convocation ceremony, I felt like the sister of a conqueror.

Despite all odds she did it!

This is just one of the many ways she had taught me persistence, but this particular one inspires me to keep at it anytime I get tired of doing something or I tend to want to give up because of the frustration that comes with keeping at it.
But then, I think if my sister could do that and more, then I can. My sister is the one great role model I have easy access to every time, and that to me, is a big flex.

The picture is mine.