A brilliant Sierra Leonean lady identify on Facebook as Haja Baturu Kabba has taken on her social media to celebrate her success after earning her first class degree from the Institute of Public Administration and Management.
The brilliant Sierra Leonan lady, Haja Baturu Kabba during her university days was a student leader. In a Facebook post celebrating her success, Haja recounted her sad experience of having a skin problem that lasted for more than two decades. Despite of this, she never gave up. Read her full story below
“THE JOURNEY HAS STARTED.
The Latin maxim “Veni, vidi, vici” which is better transcribed in English as I came, I saw, I conquered, is worthy of my person. It was daunting, but I held on; not just to get a first class degree, but also to create an indelible impact on the lives of many. I did. I proudly did. And I ever so well maintained a healthy relationship with the people whose paths I crossed. I have come afar, and I consider all the years of perseverance and dedication as a new beginning in my life, because I have a lot to thank Allah (my Maker) for.
To bring the dream alive, I went through excruciating pains, unimaginable sorrows, and tumultuous time. I went through it all because I saw myself breaking the glass ceiling. I did. My tribesmen consider education for girls a total waste of time and resources. They consider education – especially modern education for my gender unimportant. It is their belief that grownup girls should be given out to men for marriages. I stood a bit different; my family is an understanding type – one which regards modern education a profit for boys as well as girls. They are supportive. And they have been at my beck and call from scratch to finish. They have supported me, and are still supporting me, until my dreams came true. Wait a minute…did I actually say “came true?” Not yet, my dreams are just getting started and I pray they continue to stay with me on every step of the way.
WHEN DARK AND BRIGHT CLOUDS HOVERED AROUND ME:
I was that young girl in Kenema who suffered from skin problem for more than two decades; but I still had faith in Allah’s healing and plans for me to achieve my ambition of becoming an educated woman that can create a difference in the lives of people. In reality, I’ve gone halfway in accomplishing that. In my little corner, and as best possible, I’ve served and continually serving humanity. I’m a textbook definition of DEDICATION, PERSEVERANCE, COMMITMENT, PATIENCE, AND RESILIENCE. Oh yes, I’m that girl you used to call “the rotten foot girl” 😭😭😭
At this point, let me cease to thank my Creator for He has blessed me more than anticipated. I will serve You till eternity. To my lovely and caring family, I wouldn’t have achieved these feats without your innumerable support. I appreciate you so much. I cannot begin to thank my Father and Mother for serving as my greatest inspirations throughout the dark and bright years. They wiped my tears when the world gave me reasons to cry, they cried with me when I gave them reasons to shed a tear, and they encouraged when no one was watching. No one could have done it better than they did. My parents showed me the through meaning of love, protection and care. They shaped my life to such a degree that I saw humanity as a form of self-love rather than a favor. And I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to maintain a good human relationship on this journey. Thanks, Mum Nyama Sillah . Thanks, Dad Alhaji Abdulai Kabba . I pray for good health, longevity and prosperity so that I could be able to do some form of reciprocity. Thanks for believing in your favorite girl.
IPAM, you taught me to learn, unlearn, and relearn so as to fit into the corporate world. It has been a tough and bittersweet experience, but it all happened for the good. I owe you a debt of gratitude. I’m grateful for the experience garnered.
The students and the Administration of IPAM, thanks for the repository of trust. You gave me the most enviable platform to serve humanity. Thanks. I appreciate you all beyond bounds. The experience was worth the while, and the platform was a brilliant start.
Visionaries on and off campus, thanks for believing in me and the space to rule. I appreciate you for the love, respect, and honor you showed me throughout.
To sum:
I appreciate you all that played a pivotal role in my achieving these feats; you’re so many in a way that I won’t be able to mention and single you all out. However, I should give flowers to those they are due. The Frontline Soldiers: Brother Alie Badara Sanjan Kabba, Alie Kabba you’ve been an instrumental figure in all of these. I could vividly retrospect four years ago, you told me these exact words “I see log of potentials in you, so you need to further your education.” You bought my entrance form and did the necessary arrangements for me at IPAM. I’m here today tall and proud for the step you took. Glad I could make you proud. I thank and appreciate you so much. Mr and Mrs Bashiru Kabba, Bashiru Kabba, Djenab Tawel Camara words are not enough to express how much I appreciate you, Hamidu, and the kids for always bringing back my smile. You provided a safe space for me to learn. Thanking you so graciously for all the beautiful memories we shared as a family. Brother Mamoud Kabba, Mamoud Kabba you took me this far. Thanks for accepting my flaws and headaches throughout. I appreciate you so much. Mr. Alfa Fofana in the USA, you came through and believed in my dreams without knowing me. You’ve helped and solved my stresses all through. Thanks. We did this together. You’re that friend I can trust with my life. May Allah reward you and your family. Ameen!
I want the world and all therein to remember that it wasn’t all rosy when I embarked on the journey. Along the way, there were cuts, bruises, and all. I stood my grounds. I’m here today because of you all. Thanks. I’m grateful. Indeed, I went, I saw, and I conquered. Better put: I went, I saw, and WE conquered. It’s our win. It’s our victory. It’s our triumph. Let’s celebrate it on this my special day.”
