Beyond the scholarship

In the bustling city of Lagos, there is a lady named Adebimpe, but she is mostly referred to as Bimpe. Bimpe came from a family of three—her and just her parents. Bimpe was such a brilliant child, dark in complexion, slim, and energetic, which made running errands for her parents easy. Right from her primary school days, she was known to solve questions in classes higher than hers; she was extremely brilliant. Despite all these great attributes, Bimpe and her family still suffer from poverty. Her parents were poor, illiterate farmers who hardly made ends meet. Despite the financial hardship her family faced, Bimpe harbored a fierce determination to break free from the shackles of poverty through education. Bimpe parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adegoke, know quite well that it was going to be difficult to sponsor Bimpe to school, but they were also determined to do what they could to make sure their daughter gets the education she needs. Her parents were hardworking, and they instilled the belief that education was the key to a better future.

Image generated by Bing Ai

After some time had passed, “Bimpe, Bimpe, wake up,” Mrs. Adegoke woke her sleeping daughter with excitement in her eyes. “Mama, what is it? I was just about to hit the best part of my sleep,” Bimpe responded. “Well, I have good news for you; it’s about a prestigious school that is giving out scholarships to people who can pass their school exam,” Mrs. Adegoke said as her smile was almost touching her ears. This time, the sleep cleared out of her eyes as soon as she heard about the scholarship. She sat upright, then took her mobile phone to make enquires, "Oh, it's a Christian model college. My dream school,” Bimpe said as she danced around their small compartment. Bimpe saw it as her ticket to a brighter future. With unwavering resolve, she devoted herself to studying day and night, pouring over textbooks by the dim light of an oil lamp. Her resolve was driven by visions of a life abundant in joy and wealth.

The examination day arrived, and Bimpe was escorted to the examination center by her parents. “Just do your best, ok? I know my daughter is brilliant, and I can see you coming out at the top. Whatever happens in the hall, do your best and leave the rest for God,” Mr. Adegoke said to his daughter as he gave her a hug, and then Mrs. Adegoke joined them too. “I will do my best, papa; I have to go now,” Bimpe said as she withdrew to the examination hall. Filled with hope and determination, Bimpe enters the examination hall alongside students from privileged backgrounds. Despite the odds stacked against her, she tackled each question with the tenacity of someone fighting for her life. In a few hours, the examination was over, she met with her parents, and they all went home.

Weeks later, the news of the result was announced on the city television service, and Bimpe was so happy to learn that she had passed the examination. All that was left was a letter from the school telling her when she would resume. That night, Mr. Adegoke made sure they had the best meal they had in a long time. There was joy in the family again. The following morning came, there was a knock on their door. “Hello, who is that?” Mrs. Adegoke answered the knock on their door. “Good morning, ma, I am onto Mr. and Mrs. Adegoke.” At the words of the man at the door, Bimpe jumped up to see who it was. She opened the door, and there was a tall, handsome man standing at their doorstep with the Christlead symbol on his jacket. "Yes, sir, this is the resident of Adegoke,” Bimpe answered. “Here is your letter from Christlead Model College,” he said as he handed her the letter and walked away.

Bimpe took the letter into their home with excitement as she opened it. “Open the letter calmly so you don’t tear it up,” Mr. Adegoke warned his daughter. As she read through the letter, her excitement quickly turned to despair. Despite her outstanding performance, they regretted informing her that she had not been awarded the scholarship due to her family's financial situation. Overwhelmed by the news, Bimpe was stricken with grief as she rushed into her room, her cries echoing loudly. Her parents couldn’t understand what happened, but they could tell the letter wasn’t what she was expecting.

Image generated from Bing Ai

“Adebimpe, Adebimpe, Adebimpe. How many times did I call you? I don’t know what the letter said, but I know it's enough to make you sad, now tell us it says. Care to explain what it says?” Mr. Adegoke asked her. Bimpe explained it all as she sobbed with tears streaming down her cheek and her head bent down. “Hmmm, I thought it was a full-sponsored scholarship. What does it have to do with our financial status?” Mrs. Adegoke said with tears in her eyes as she tried to console her daughter.

“Adebimpe, Arewa. Don’t be said ok; so long as there is life, there is hope. Now raise your “chin up” and be the strong daughter I know you to be. I don’t want to see you sad, looking like someone who has lost all determination and will to continue to push forward. I have three lands; I will sell two of them and make sure you attend that school, so chin up and look at me,” Mr. Adegoke said to his daughter. Bimpe raises her head, tears in her eyes as she looks at her father. “We would go back to the school and resolve this; trust your father.” This time, Bimpe cleaned up the tears in her eyes and ran to hug her dad.

The following day, Mr. Adegoke and Bimpe headed to the school and met with the management. He brought along his land document to plead with the school to take in his daughter. While he was talking to the school management, Mr. Chales eavesdropped on their conversation unintentionally. He was one of the school sponsors. He walked into the office and demanded to see the Bimpe score. He was shocked as he looked at the score. “You mean you won't take in the highest-scoring student because of her family background? What sort of rubbish is this?” Mr. Chales screamed at the school administrator. “We are sorry, sir,” was all the school admin could say. “Mr. Adegoke, I am sorry about all this. Don’t bother selling your land. From today onward, I will take full responsibility for your daughter's education till she graduates from the university level,” Mr. Chales said, then collected Mr. Adegoke's phone number and walked away.

Bimpe and her dad walked home, smiling and dancing. The end.

Posted Using InLeo Alpha