By ROMOKE LASISI

I still remember the worry on my mother’s face when I told her I wanted to further my education.

She has always been my greatest support, but I knew our finances couldn’t carry the cost of university. So, I promised her I would support myself—by offering dry-cleaning and cleaning services when I gained admission.

After secondary school, I worked as a sales rep while preparing for JAMB, but my first attempt didn’t get me admission.

Later, I taught as a nursery school teacher, and then I took a job as a cleaner at GTBank.

Working as a cleaner, I carried out my duties with joy and passion because I strongly believed that things would get better with time. And they did.

After one year, I gained admission and left the job to pursue my degree. During my undergraduate journey:

* I co-founded The Emerging Minds Foundation, empowering 250+ students with tech skills.

* I served as a Data Science Tutor, helping others grow in the field.

* I facilitated a Python for Data Analysis workshop in my department.

* I won multiple scholarships, including FSB and MTN scholarships

* I served as Assistant Data Science Tutor at a CSA Africa workshop in the University of Nairobi.

* I was a Panelist at the Mathematics Summit 1.0 at the University of Ilorin.

In my journey I met amazing people who supported my academics and I didn’t have to continue workings a cleaner to support myself.

Looking back, every stage -- from sales rep, teacher, and cleaner to first-class graduate and data science educator shaped me into who I am today.

My journey is a reminder that where you start doesn’t determine where you’ll finish. With resilience, faith, and hard work, things can get better.

• Romoke Lasisi shared her story on her LinkedIn Page.