It was a December night. The occasion was a class get-together. She could feel the expectation in the numerous eyes that were fixed on the young man in the spotlight. They would soon be on her, as she would soon stand in the beam as well.
She had always known this day would come; the day she would have to talk about her heroes. She had several; so how could she possibly eulogise just one without feeling partial? The prospect was both thrilling and worrying.
She giggled quietly as she remembered what one of them said as they rounded off a counselling session one warm Wednesday evening.
‘The heart is indeed a mystery. It can accommodate several people at once; and let go of others too. We may not relate so closely in some years’ time, but I will remain grateful that I was here for you when it mattered.’
That was Miss Kate; a teacher in her secondary school.
Snapping back to the present, she looked up at the time piece mounted on a wooden platform ahead. It would be her turn in three minutes. Her mind took a swift trip down Memory Avenue as the metallic cool feel of her brooch greeted her hand.
Uncle Frank had been a big fan of her artwork when she was younger. He never tired of taking pictures of them and sharing them on his social media platforms. She had won contests, as a result of his efforts.
Mrs Princeton, her accounting teacher, never stopped praising her accuracy with numbers. She also recommended her to teachers and business owners who needed help with keeping their books. That was how she ended up with a holiday job in her penultimate year in senior secondary school.
At the time she applied to come to this school, everyone thought a multi=potentialate like her had things figured out. Miss Kate stayed close; offering her support and accountability.
When her family’s finances took a dip, Raphael was a school mate who connected her with a reputable source of funds to ensure her stay in school.
At the time she bore the weight of a crush, Nina was a friend who was there to help her accept and work through what she felt. Nina was her soul sister who stood up for her when she was nearly embarrassed at a party.
As Nina’s face came into her line of vision, she could hear ‘Stacy Vicar’ being called. Stacy stilled her twenty-one year old mind and allowed her white shoes to carry her towards the podium.
Her blue gown fluttered as she took the microphone and faced the expectant crowd. She smiled and took a deep breath before launching into her speech.
’If I were to tell of just one hero, that would be unfair to others in their league. Yet, recounting all the exploits of these superb individuals would strip my listeners of their time unfairly.
I would rather appreciate everyone who counseled, stood up for and was there for me when it mattered. They helped me win victories, without capes. I have resolved to be that to someone too; a hero, nay, a true superhero!’
Does this ring a bell, friend? Have you any heroes in your own life? I bet you do.
The greatest of them usually don’t wear capes, trust me. They simply bless the people they come across with the gifts of their uniqueness, thoughtfulness and a desire to help them (become better).
Our lives would be harder if certain people did not show up, or show up ready to take on the fight, on the battlefield of certain situations.
If only we’d have more heroes!
Will you be one?
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
Congratulations! You are very skillful and brilliant in establishing yourself in your endeavors! Very great!
Thank you for your kind words about young columnist. This is Dapo Akande, the Editor in Chief. We at EduTimes Africa believe in providing our youth a platform not only to showcase their talent but to also share their thoughts with us, the older generation. We have a lot to learn from them too.