By Gloria Ogbonna
Godfrey George engages with Nigerians living abroad, specifically those celebrating their first Christmas away from home, delving into their experiences and challenges of navigating loneliness in unfamiliar environments.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Okpara's aspirations of studying abroad were halted due to family circumstances, including his father's illness and subsequent demise. The 31-year-old faced significant hardships, yet persisted in his educational pursuits despite financial constraints.
Following his father's passing, Okpara took up music and teaching while awaiting an opportunity to resume his education. Eventually, he enrolled at Yaba College of Technology and later the University of Lagos, funding his studies independently and overcoming immense adversity, graduating with stellar academic achievements.
The thought of studying abroad surfaced in 2019, influenced by his lecturers' advice and his ambition for broader opportunities. Despite initial setbacks with funding, Okpara's determination persisted, and in a stroke of luck, he secured a full scholarship to pursue a Master's in Real Estate Management at the University of Reading, UK.
However, even with the scholarship covering tuition, the financial burden loomed large, requiring over N10 million to support living expenses. Okpara embarked on a communal fundraising effort, reaching out to acquaintances for support, but the collected funds fell short of his target.
Despite the obstacles, Okpara's journey reflects resilience and determination in the pursuit of educational advancement and a better future abroad.
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