When all fails, believe in yourself: My journey from failure to finding my own way

By Foluke Aliu

I have never had it easy when it comes to academics. From as far back as secondary school, I poured my heart, time, and energy into reading for exams often late into the night, fueled by hope and fear but the results never seemed to match the effort. 

Time and time again, I found myself staring at failing grades, wondering what more I could have done. It felt like luck had singled me out for disappointment.

I remember how painful it was sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams while in SS2. I attempted it not once, not twice, but three times before I finally passed only managing to make it through with two sittings. I held on because I believed I had something to prove not to anyone, but to myself.

Eventually, after facing rejection and failure multiple times, I made it into a polytechnic. It should have been a fresh start, a chance to reset and shine. But that first year was hell. 

I struggled through the first and second semesters and ended up with two carryovers. The weight of failure crushed my spirit, and for a moment, I lost all hope.

 I came dangerously close to ending everything. The pain was so deep and personal, but thanks to a few amazing friends who stood by me, talked me down, and reminded me of my worth, I held on.

That was when I realized I needed to do things differently. Maybe the conventional way of reading wasn’t meant for me. I started experimenting with a new method one that fit me. I began recording my notes in audio form, reading them out loud with passion and clarity. 

Then I took it a step further I turned some of those notes into songs. Yes, actual songs. I would sing topics and key points like melodies, and to my surprise, it worked. Music helped me memorize and understand things in a way that pages never could.

That switch changed everything. With this new method, I passed all my courses. For the first time in my life, I didn’t just survive examsI conquered them. I finally began to feel what success tasted like, and it was nothing short of liberating.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone struggling like I once did, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to do what works for you. It doesn’t matter how unusual or unconventional it may seem. 

Your journey is yours alone, and only you know what helps you thrive. Sometimes, you just need to believe that your way is valid.

I’m still walking this path, still learning, but now I walk with confidence and pride. I failed, I broke, I rebuilt and I found my rhythm.