Chapter 1: The Initial Spark

It’s often quite straightforward to pursue what you desire in life.

Photo by Armand Khoury on Unsplash

Beneath the glow of a streetlight, I penned my initial five stories shared here. Following the publication of my last tale, I felt compelled to organize my living space. To my astonishment, I uncovered a $10 bill tucked away in my jeans, which I used to buy paraffin for my small wick lamp—the very tool I’m using to craft this narrative. Despite the dwindling supply of paraffin, my drive remains unyielding. Each milestone I achieve, much like anyone else, fuels my desire for the next challenge.

A pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I made the decision to attend the University of Toronto.

While in school, I was plagued by uncertainty about my future after graduation. Globally, many graduates—whether completing an undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D.—struggle to find immediate employment. This persistent issue loomed over me, pushing me to strategize my next steps every time I completed a course. My approach remained consistent for both my undergraduate and master's degrees.

After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I was determined not to return to my guardians' home, so I resolved to secure a job before graduation. Makerere University had a policy that allowed students to complete their studies a year early, dedicating that time to clearance with various university departments. I aimed to find employment during this period.

However, I faced numerous obstacles and was unable to land interviews, experiencing rejection 120 times. This was a familiar pain for many graduates attempting to secure their first job until I altered my approach and leveraged my network.

Reaching out to my mentor, who ultimately helped me secure my first position, marked a significant turning point. I joined the Uganda Women Lawyers Association, known as FIDA, during a time when it lacked a formal IT department. Initially brought on as an intern for three months, I made it my mission to exceed expectations right from the start.

My outstanding performance led them to reconsider; a team that had intended to keep me for three months was now eager to appoint me as the IT department Lead for a minimum of three years.

I began my career and decided against moving back home. I misled my guardians into believing I had accepted a contract in Gulu, while in reality, I was living in Kyengera, a five-hour journey away, making daily commutes unfeasible. I informed them I wouldn’t be returning for a while but promised to visit occasionally.

With a small mattress and my clothing packed, my friend William helped me relocate. We traveled to Mutungo, close to Mbuya, where my new job’s headquarters were located. This marked the beginning of my journey toward independent living.

While I managed to cover my living expenses, I soon realized I wasn’t saving any money. All my earnings went towards street food, transportation, and rent. At this juncture, I felt ready to embark on the next phase of my growth journey, setting two goals: launching a business and pursuing graduate studies.

A close friend of mine, Charles, achieved the remarkable feat of securing eight fully-funded scholarships for a Ph.D. in both the UK and the USA straight from his undergraduate studies—an extraordinary achievement that inspired me to intensify my pursuit of a master's degree alongside my entrepreneurial ambitions.

I had an extensive list of institutions globally to consider, but I ultimately focused solely on the University of Toronto. I had read that it is the top university in Canada, ranking in the top 20 worldwide. The same scholarship I had applied for during my Advanced level studies was also available for a select group of seven students from Africa to join the University of Toronto.

Admittedly, my grades were not exceptional, and I struggled to afford the $200 application fee required of all candidates. Nevertheless, I persisted, dedicating considerable effort to my application essays, which I submitted to the university’s admissions office, accompanied by an email detailing my eagerness to pursue a master's degree in Toronto and my financial constraints regarding the fee.

Three days later, I received a response waiving my application fee. In that moment, I felt destined for this opportunity.

My goal of starting a business was to secure initial funding of at least $17,182.39. However, I ultimately achieved my goal of obtaining a master’s degree first, which led me to the University of Toronto.

A crucial takeaway is that if you genuinely desire something and take steps towards it, success is attainable. Throughout my application process, I encountered numerous fortunate occurrences, which I’ll share in my next installment.

As the paraffin in my small wick lamp dwindles, I look forward to our next encounter!

Remember to hit that clap button as if it owes you money—it's the online equivalent of expressing gratitude! And if you decide to over-clap (x50), your secret is safe with me.

Author’s Note:

This tale is woven from genuine experiences. The character Kuku Caravan is inspired by my own life and those around me. Life often brings unexpected moments, and these narratives capture the essence of those experiences.

What comes next? That remains a mystery waiting to be unveiled. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter! Your favorite character has more surprises in store.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

The first video, "The Score - Born For This (Lyrics)," beautifully encapsulates the essence of pursuing one's passion and ambition, much like my journey.

The second video, "The Score - Born For This (Official Audio)," serves as an inspiring backdrop to the narrative of striving toward one's dreams.