Dear Younger Self

When I was a child, around the age of 10 years. I attended a Quran school. After completing my Quran studies, I enrolled in a literacy centre where I learned mathematics and how to write in the Somali language. Once I had gained those basic skills, I joined a primary school named Khadija Model where I started grade 3.

I continued my studies there until middle school. Later I transferred to another school where I completed my secondary education.

At home, I enjoyed helping my mother with household chores and also used to work in a small family owned shop. I was always passionate about my education and worked hard to achieve good academic results.

The biggest mistake I made during my childhood was being late to school sometimes, so late that I would be denied entry. This let to me missing important lessons and educational opportunities. This could have helped shape my future. I also wasted a lot of time on games and meaningless conversations instead of focusing on my dreams and education.

What I have learned is that education is the key to life. If you want to achieve great things, you must be persistent, responsible and patient in the face of small challenges. Today, I realize how much valuable time I wasted and this is one of the biggest mistakes I made.

To little Hani, I say whatever happens, be patient, keep learning and remind yourself every day that you are building your future. If you make a mistake, know that it can be corrected. Just don’t repeat again. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and never see education as a burden. See it instead as a golden opportunity.

As I grow older, I dreamt of studying business administration at university so that I could become a successful businesswoman. I also planned to pursue a master’s degree and eventually open my own shoes company where I would brand the shoes with my name – something like – Hani Company.