Just a slight detour.

Things have always been smooth for me as a kid, and even though my parents didn't have much, they made sure I got the best of everything they could afford. Life was perfect, at least to an extent, because I didn't lack the basic necessities, and it feels like everything was planned to perfection, especially my education.

It went smoothly from when I can remember till I completed my secondary, and just like every other kid, I was excited to further my education. I studied hard, but things didn't happen as expected.

"It's okay; there is always another time. You can try again next year," Aminat kept repeating the same words to me immediately after we checked our results, and I just couldn't shut her up.

If only she knew how I was feeling, she would have advised me to cry very well. At least she passed, and I couldn't figure out what I did wrong in my examination. Breaking the news to my family was a problem, but I had to, even though it was a big disappointment from me.

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"You don't have to be sad about it because things like these are bound to happen once in a while as we journey through life," my dad replied to me after I broke the news about my result while mom advised that I studied harder for the coming year.

I felt relieved that they weren't angry, but the thought of seeing my friends getting admission while I am just wasting at home broke my heart a lot.

To get over everything, I made up my mind to go to Lagos since a new environment could help me get distracted for a while. My parents agreed, and I came to spend some time with my aunt, who suggested that I learn a trade. I hesitated for a while but ended up agreeing to learn catering.

"I will learn catering," I told my aunt, who was happy about my decision.

"That's great. You will make different dishes for me before going back to school," my aunt replied jokingly and started working on it together.

We did the necessary registration at a government-owned catering school, and I did enjoy attending the place. I learned so many things there and didn't have a pinch of regret.

---

A year soon passed, and it was time to write another exam, which I had prepared for thoroughly. Things went well this time, and I passed, but my parents had financial issues, and furthering my education was impossible.

"Don't beat yourself too hard about all of this happening; it's a good thing that you even have a skill. You can master your skill and start something small." My aunt tried encouraging me when she learned about my parents financial challenges and how it would affect my admission that year.

"A skill? I learned that to keep myself busy, and it was never a dream," I replied to her.

Hmmmmm! My aunt sighed heavily and went silent.

"My dream is to become a graduate, even though I intend on owning a business after school. I just want to be properly educated." I broke the silence in the room.

"I understand you and believe everything will happen at the right time," she replied.

That night was quite challenging for me, and I just couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking of how my smooth ride through life ended at an uncharted path.

I became restless and scared that things could get worse for me.

"What if my parents can't help me further my education?" This question troubled me, and I couldn't figure out an answer.

I made up my mind to help myself, and even though my parents can't do the needful, I have to plan out my life properly again. I put those terrible thoughts aside after a few days and started planning on how to blend my skills to perfection.

I went for an advanced training and even got some customers for myself. My aunt did introduce me to a few customers as well, and I was saving every penny to help myself return to school no matter how long it will take me.

---

The second year passed in a flash, and it was time for another examination. I took the form even before my parents mentioned it and they were happy I was extra prepared.

"Lara, do well this time so that you won't miss getting admission this year. God has helped your father at work, and things are back to normal." Those were my mom's words the night before the exam, and that motivated me a lot.

The exam day came and passed but my heart skipped whenever I thought about my result. The big day came and the expected happened. I cleared my exams, and that was one of the happiest da ys of my life. The admission process went smoothly, and life returned to normal for me again. After settling down in school, I thought about the journey through the uncharted path and was happy I didn't give up on my dreams.

I am a graduate today and currently serving; it's a dream come true for me.