The journey of rediscovering my passion
Life unfolds in ways that constantly surprise us. From the simplest events to life-changing moments, every day brings something new to reflect upon.
My story, though personal, is one I feel compelled to share, not only to inspire but to remind us all that no passion is ever truly lost.
My name is Owoedinyene Thomas, and I come from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
I grew up in a family of eight, with three brothers and five sisters. My mother, a woman of great faith and discipline, believed in raising us with strong values and a love for the Lord. She instilled in us the importance of education and hard work.
My academic journey began in my hometown at a local nursery school. I still vividly remember my first day, a mix of excitement and fear. But what stands out more is that I didn’t stick to that school.
For reasons I can’t recall, I left and joined the nearby Government Primary School in Primary 3. It wasn’t easy at first, but eventually, I adjusted and caught up with my peers.
By the time I finished Primary School in 2008, I had become quite confident in my academics. Not only was I able to read and write, but I also had the rare skill of reading and writing in Ibibio, something that set me apart from my peers at the time.
When I transitioned to secondary school, I enrolled at Northern Annang Secondary Commercial School, Utu Etim Ekpo. Junior secondary was smooth sailing, and my performance remained good throughout the first term of SS2.
However, it was during SS2 that my academic journey faced a significant turning point an experience I would later come to call my “academic struggle and breakthrough.”
I had always dreamed of studying English and Literature, subjects I was deeply passionate about.
However, my life took a detour when a friend convinced me that I could only become Senior Prefect if I chose to pursue the science stream. Without giving it much thought, I switched to science, thinking that my leadership aspirations depended on it.
This decision led to a loss of direction. I no longer knew what I wanted to study after school.
In the midst of this confusion, when it was time to register for JAMB, I found myself drawn to Biology Education. It seemed like an odd choice, but I made it, and with God’s help, I succeeded.
At university, despite my choice of a science discipline, my love for English resurfaced. In my first year, I partnered with a friend to run JAMB preparatory classes.
I taught English and Biology, and surprisingly, I excelled at teaching English despite being a Science major. By the time I reached my third year, I was already teaching English at well-known secondary schools, impressing both students and colleagues.
Even during my NYSC service year, I continued to teach English, and upon returning, I landed my first full-time job teaching English at a private school. Today, I am teaching English and Ibibio at an esteemed school that caters to children of high-profile families.
Though I am still teaching Biology, it is the English language that has opened doors for me. It has earned me numerous recommendations, helped me build valuable connections, and enabled me to sit at the same table as experts in the field.
I later realise that no dream or passion is ever truly lost. It may seem forgotten for a while, but with perseverance and faith, it can be rediscovered and nurtured. My story is proof of that.
If you ever feel like your dreams are slipping away, remember that it’s never too late to recover them. If I can do it, so can you.
