Cursory: The story of a young man from a very humble background has gone viral. The young man, met his blessings after someone tried to ridicule him by posting a not flattering picture online. The Embarrassing incident turned to a blessing, which helped to launch the young man into the focus of people who have changed the narrative of his life for better. See complete story below.
Four years ago, Henry Suubi Kiyimba was scorned by a section of the public after reporting to Makerere University with an empty metallic suitcase, old mattress, backpack and a dream that with education, he would be able to help his single mother and eight siblings.
A photo of a young Suubi, who was 20 years old at the time, with his back to the camera heading to University Hall, was shared on various social media platforms, immediately turning him into fodder for ridicule.
The photo that was shared on Twitter was accompanied by the caption, “A rare photo of a fresher attached to University Hall reporting today with a metallic case and ousofia (paper bag).”
It didn’t take long for internet trolls to start creating the “Suubi challenge,” which worked to Suubi’s benefit because several Twitter users began hunting for him while he was completely unaware that he was trending across the nation.
Suubi was uncertain of what awaited him at Makerere University because his mother sold pancakes, avocados, and occasionally offered firewood to fund his tuition.
He was clearly from a low-income household, as evidenced by the news that he owed around Sh2 million in past school fees.
He was fortunate to personally meet the University’s Vice Chancellor, who encouraged him to make use of his time at the university and work hard on his future career.
A “GoFundMe” page was set up that allowed members of the public to pay off his high school fees arrears and acquire his certificate. His mother received Sh2 million and a motorcycle from Letshego, a microfinance deposit taking institution (MDI).
He also received laptops, clothes, and bedding. The course to which he was admitted on government sponsorship—a Bachelor of Economics—was changed to mechanical engineering because that was his interest, and a top engineering firm in the nation gave him a full scholarship. But above all, he met and forgave the person who took his photo, describing his work as “a blessing in disguise”.
Suubi, who is currently in his Fourth Year, final semester, is just two months away from becoming a mechanical engineer.
“A lot has changed. I joined Makerere University with no knowledge about engineering, but it was my dream. I didn’t know I could make it to Makerere. It is not hard, but when you put your mind to it, you can succeed,” he told the Monitor in an interview on Friday.
He added: “The stage we are in now is to join the industry, become engineers and change the technological and innovation terrain. I have always been a hustler and when I decide to do something, I put everything else aside.”
“When you get to Makerere University, you encounter many challenges, especially if you are from the village because you find children from urban settings and prominent schools.’’
“So, you start by learning from them because you are put in the same class and room, and therefore, you have to learn from them. In all ways, your confidence has to be lifted, confidence boosted, and manners aligned,” he adds.
Suubi says he has done placements with several companies, including Afro lights, Uganda Baati, adding that the future is bright.
“I have connected with most prospective employers on LinkedIn among other platforms.Advise to those like him …Currently, there are many destructions that can lead someone astray, but society has changed. Those who have a chance of studying should seize it because chances come once and one may never get a second chance.
Source: Monitor
Read Also: Brilliant Lady Bags 8 Distinctions to Emerge as ABUAD’s Best Graduating Medical Student
ALLSCHOOL TEAM
Stories You Shouldn't Have Missed:
- Bells University Expels Student for Assaulting Female Colleague Over Girlfriend Issues
- How ASUU Can Settle With Federal Government Without Strike — Prof Jegede
- Young Man Who Had 8 A’s in WAEC Years Ago celebrates as he Graduates with First Class, Gets Scholarship
- School Makes History, Produces 38 Straight 8A’s Students In WASSCE
- Most graduates in Nigeria are not properly trained that’s why there’s insecurity – Orji Uzor Kalu
- Princess Opeyemi Bright Makes History as Youngest Mayor in the UK, Blending Heritage, Leadership, and Community Vision
- “She prayed fervently,” — First-Class Graduate Finally Lands Her Dream Job After 4 Good Years of Frustration & Rejections
Join Our 500,000+ Community:
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.