Rising Through My Struggles The Story That Shaped Me By Amos Joy Oyiza

Rising Through My Struggles The Story That Shaped Me By Amos Joy Oyiza

There are certain experiences in life that change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. For me, those experiences did not come wrapped in ease or comfort. They came through struggles, disappointments, and silent battles that pushed me to grow. Today, when I reflect on my journey, I realize that these very challenges shaped me into a better version of myself.

Growing up, I was the quiet type. I doubted myself often and found it hard to express my true feelings. I would shrink back even when I had something important to say. This self-doubt became a heavy burden as I advanced in life, making me believe I wasn’t good enough. It created an inner conflict between the person I wanted to be and the fears holding me back.

One of the most difficult seasons I faced was dealing with personal disappointments. Plans I had carefully made didn’t work out, and I felt like I had failed myself. Friendships I trusted turned sour, leaving me with feelings of betrayal. Academically, I also stumbled, and those failures weighed on me more than anyone could see. Each of these moments made me feel like giving up.

But in my lowest times, I discovered resilience. I realized that pain could either break me or build me. I chose to let it build me. I began to understand that setbacks were not signs of weakness, but opportunities to restart with greater wisdom. That shift in mindset marked the beginning of my transformation.

Starting my lash business became another turning point. In the beginning, I was nervous and unsure if I had what it takes to succeed. My first set of lashes took nearly seven hours, and even then, I wasn’t fully satisfied with the result. But seeing the smile on my client’s face reminded me that progress mattered more than perfection. That moment gave me hope and determination to keep going.

Balancing my business with my HND program also reshaped me. It was not easy to juggle classes, assignments, clients, and personal growth. There were sleepless nights and days I wanted to quit. Yet, those challenges taught me the value of discipline, time management, and sacrifice. Each day I pushed through, I became stronger and more focused.

As I continued to face these challenges, I noticed a change in myself. I no longer saw failure as the end of the road. Instead, I began to see it as a lesson. I no longer allowed fear to silence me completely. Slowly, I started finding my voice and standing firm in my decisions, even if it meant standing alone.

One of the most important lessons I learned is that growth is not about becoming perfect. It is about becoming consistent, patient, and resilient. It is about accepting mistakes as part of the process and celebrating small wins as stepping stones to bigger dreams. That mindset has changed how I see myself and how I approach life.

Today, I can say that I am no longer the same person I used to be. I have grown through pain, discipline, and persistence. I have learned to guard my peace, set boundaries, and still remain kind-hearted. My story is not one of overnight success, but of steady progress and quiet victories that built me into the woman I am becoming.

Looking back, I am grateful for every challenge that once broke me down because they eventually built me up. My struggles turned into strength, my disappointments into lessons, and my fears into courage. I am still on a journey, but I am proud to say that I am now a better, stronger, and wiser version of myself.