In a rural village in Cross River State, there was a girl named Mary who loved education deeply. But life was not easy for her family. There were days when school fees were difficult to pay. There were days when she had no proper school materials. Sometimes, she even walked long distances just to attend class. Despite all these challenges, Mary never gave up. While some of her friends dropped out, she kept going. She would borrow books from classmates. She would study under dim light at night. And she always paid attention in class, no matter how tired she felt. At times, she cried quietly when things became overwhelming. But the next day, she would still show up to school. One of her teachers noticed her determination and began encouraging her. Slowly, things began to change. Mary later received support from a local scholarship program. She completed her education and eventually became a teacher herself. When she stood in front of her own students years later, she said: “Don’t let your current situation decide your future.” Many people give up when life becomes difficult. But persistence often separates those who succeed from those who stop too soon. Mary’s story shows that consistency, even in hardship, can change a life. What is one challenge you are facing that you think persistence can help you overcome?
