When you start something they always laugh, some gossip behind your back and some say “where do they think they will end?” They smile to your face yet they are itching to spread your failures to people. They look down upon you and envision setbacks that they presume are what you’re destined for. They always come by to check your progress and take pride in leaving you with words that demoralize you and leave you confused. They come with their flashy clothes and phones and there you are poor you with poverty written on your forehead and victory written in your heart…hahaha… I have been through all that!!
My name is Michelle Ame Sephetsolo from Botswana.I remember when I closed form5 I got my very 1st job working in the Bakery section at Pick n Pay Supermarket at Lobatse while I awaited my results. My former school mates would come by and some would laugh at me because I wore overalls. Some would pass nasty comments because I looked bulky in the uniform but I wasn’t shaken. I got paid each month on the 25th and I would go straight to the shops to lavish myself and family. I took pride in walking with little plastic bags of some groceries to home and I actually felt very mature. When my results came out while I was still working there, many left but I worked in the store since November of 2010 until June, that is7months, I started tertiary in July. So the moral here is, if you’re a hawker and selling sweets and airtime, let them laugh at you but at the end you will be the very same person driving a Mercedes and living in a mansion. The very same person that will be employing many. The Choppies Superstores owners started small and their very first shop is still running in Lobatse yet they have a network of shops that are spreading like wild fire. My mother told me that the owner of Sanitas in Gaborone started selling their flowers by the road side but take a look at how they have grown now. Take pride in the struggles you have in Life. They are your stepping stones. Take pride in being laughed at for doing what is right because you know that the people who laugh at you now are the very same people who will be looking for your autograph when you have made it. They laughed at me right and when I terminated my contract and served my notice I got my first taste of P1400 and I got my 1st work reference .I earned respect and trust from my mother and some of my friends. I grew too and now such things humble me even to this day. You can do it too, you may be coming from a background that’s severely poor and think that’s your destiny. Well, keeping selling your sweets and save up for a brighter future. We all need to start somewhere.
By; Michelle Ame Sephetsolo
