My girl dreams

I was born in a family of 3 boys and I am the lone girl. Growing up was fun especially as I played with my brothers and ran through my neighborhood with other kids to do some mischievous things in Mutengene, South West Region of Cameroon. I grew up in an Era which hasn't changed though, where women were relegated to the back: they didn't have to make choices for themselves but I had my dreams!

I had always dreamt of owning a Limousine, going to the best schools, travel round the world, reach out to people especially women and girls. I held unto those dreams until about 12 years old. This was because each dream had its time but unfortunately I saw myself not respecting the deadline of my dreams.
What we considered in my days as best schools were Our Lady of Lourdes College, P.S.S.Mankon etc but I saw I couldn't get to that kind of school because my dad was not able to pay for my fees. I had to go to one of the government run schools which I am so proud I went to right now ie G.B.H.S. Bamenda. I covered very long distances on foot to get to school. It was horrible because my feet ached so bad and I could not complain for fear of being beaten. The rainy season was worst as I slipped, fell and got dirty in mud before I got to school. I had my dreams and I held unto to the dreams which was becoming very great in future.
Growing up with boys was not easy. They looked for trouble and we got into fights that most times I won because I had to be strong to survive because if I reported any of them, I got flogged because my relatives felt I was lying. Fighting became a part of me for survival and did me lots of good. Each time I got a boy beaten, I rejoiced because boys think they are stronger and have to beat women up.
My parents were not rich but I had very rich relatives who didn't make things easy for me. They kept reminding me of who I was and where I came from and I really hated that. I told myself, I was going to be big and have a name for myself. I studied really hard and passed my exams.
I didn't own the Limousine, I didn't go the great schools then but I own the world now.
My dream of reaching out to women and girls and my dream of touring the world finally came true!
With my education and job, I created Hope for Vulnerables and Orphans ( HOVO ). I work with girls and women. I touch lives in many communities in my country. I am bringing in change and giving girls and women opportunities to go to school and be empowered. It was not an easy task but I reminded myself of who I wanted to be! I didn't let stereotypes of the fact that my parents \"didn't have a name to limit me\". I am making a name for my kids and I. Every woman can do that.
I have been to some countries in Africa, Europe and America and I am really going round the world! I am proud because I had my dreams realised. No man, through marriage could stop me from traveling. Poverty couldn't limit me either. Life is your dream.
My dreams have come true and I am living my dream!