In 2008, an uncle who lived in Abuja suggested I move in with his family. His wife had appreciated how I took care of their children during a visit.They wanted me closer to the children and promised to support my education. My mom gladly accepted the idea, as it provided her some relief.

My aunt’s constant appreciation for every chore I did made me give myself completely to them. Before that, I had hardly ever been appreciated for “common” daily house chores that were considered “my duties.” So, experiencing appreciation for the first time in my life left me in awe, and I became the “Jackie” that I was for them.

Six months into my stay, I reminded my uncle about his promise to support my education. He immediately asked his brother to find a WAEC lesson center or a computer training center. However, it soon became clear that he was not truthful about his intentions. When his brother informed him about the lesson center he had found for me, my uncle replied, “Okay, go ahead and pay for her,” and that was the end of the discussion regarding my education for as long as I lived with them. I saw my hopes and dreams almost slipping away. I really wanted to go to school, but that ship seemed to be sailing.

In September 2010, I decided to leave. It didn’t go well with them. They became so cold towards me, but I didn’t expect them to accuse me of stealing. On the same day I was leaving, I was accused of stealing 450 naira. I left with no goodbye, no hug, no final thank you, no “God bless you,” and, above all, no dime to pay my way to the nearest bus stop.

I returned to my village before heading to Port Harcourt, my heart heavy with pain and hope. I worked as a salesgirl and a maid to save for my WAEC and JAMB exams. Fortunately, I was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2013, and with my mother’s support, I graduated.

I am a teacher now. I’m not where I want to be, but I am glad that I achieved my dream. This is my story.