₦airaland Forum

247Hustler:
The beginning

As the title reads, this is a personal account of my struggle in the last 20+ years. I hope this motivates someone to keep faith in the face of daunting challenges.

I am the youngest in a family of three, raised by a single mother. I am the only son and the first and only college-educated among my siblings. My parents divorced when I was two years old, and my mother took up the responsibility of raising us. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2003 when I was in the first year of junior high school, at the age of 12. This marked the beginning of my struggles.

Due to my mother’s death, I had to grow up quickly so I could take care of my basic needs with the help of my grandmother. And in the same year (2003), my sister and I were taken to stay with my maternal aunt to continue our studies, but we had to leave in 2007 when we were in SS2 due to maltreatment from my aunt. For survival, I became a motor boy, following pick-up trucks to load and unload firewood, charcoal, and other woods used in making furniture. The job was very stressful, causing me to often miss classes due to vehicle issues or problems with the police. I did this job for over two years before quitting after my high school graduation. I also worked as an operator, mixer, and carrier in a brick manufacturing company for a few months.



Seun, Justwise, DisGuy, Fynestboi and other moderators, please help move to the front page so others may benefit from this.

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

IRIEBOY:
exactly.. have made over 3 million naira via crypto Airdrops..

Spanishmilf:
this is not a Vs suffering battle

SirJerrie:
Congratulations on your Triumph...

Would you mind sharing what gigs you offered on Upwork?
You told us about all the other jobs you did, but you didn't tell what exactly you offered on Upwork.
I ask this with no ill intentions as I'm sure many other freelancers and other readers that read to this point would be interested to know too.

You're under no obligation to tell though, if you don't want to.


Congratulations once again.

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

247Hustler:
Suicidal thoughts and a near-dropout experience

Apart from not having any money left to buy food, I was also informed that I needed money to pay mandatory dues to department and faculty-student associations. I also realized I had to pay another fee before I could be allowed to register for General Studies (GES) courses. Back then, students were required to do both online and offline course registrations, and not completing the offline registration meant that the courses would be removed from the student online portal. To be able to complete the offline registration, students were required to show receipts for payment of student dues and GES courses. In my case, I could not pay for any of them, which meant I would not be enrolled in courses in the session.

This time coincided with the student matriculation ceremony. Matriculation was not my business because I was busy fighting for survival. So I did not attend the ceremony. About two weeks later, the deadline for course registration was announced, and students that failed to register by the deadline would automatically lose their admission. This announcement greatly disturbed me and I locked myself in the hostel and cried all day on an empty stomach. I was going to lose my admission because of about twelve thousand naira (#12,000).

I was tired and frustrated at the same time. Out of my frustration, I decided to call my guardian again to see if something could happen. I begged them to assist me in borrowing any amount even if it was ten thousand so I don’t lose my admission. They told me that there was no money and they had no place to borrow it. After I got off the call, I became suicidal and thought I should end it all since there was no hope of survival. However, on second thought, I decided to hang on to see if a miracle could happen along the line.

Finally, it was the last day of course registration and I still couldn’t find the money to register. THEN, I GAVE UP AT THIS POINT!

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

Spanishmilf:
The fact that you started the processing march 2022 and got a date that same 2022 means nothing is stopping you
Your success is sure
Btw I’m interested in the site you used to to earn money
Op post pic 🫂

gaby:
Wonderful.

Destiny might delay but never can get denied.

I live in Texas, Abuja, too.

Nyanabo:
Congratulations 247hustler. Yes indeed dreams do come through. I can relate to your story. Against all odds I just did my POP on 2nd February 2023. Even when my dad refused to see me through school

Now my dream of moving to Canada begins with little steps.

Please if you don't mind me asking, what filed were you freelancing? Hoping for your response. Thanks. And congrats again.

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

247Hustler:
Getting a regular job, financing my education, and graduation

The same month, my uncle-in-law informed me about another job at a local brewery in their area. The company was into the brewing of alcoholic herbal mixtures. He introduced me to the manager and I resumed the following day. My job involved filling empty plastics with hot alcoholic mixtures, corcking, washing, labelling, packaging and arranging them in the store. The job had no fixed salary but the pay was according to how much an employee could work. Top employees who work there full-time usually made more than fifty thousand naira (#50,000) monthly. As for me, I didn’t have the strength, so I usually made about twenty to thirty thousand (#20,000 - 30,000) monthly during the break.

Now, this job was also very stressful but quite manageable when compared to the other one. Workers also enjoyed more freedom and autonomy here and the environment was always lively. The major problem here was that I often got intoxicated (99% of the time) during work due to the high ethanol (alcohol) content of the mixtures. It is funny to remember that I never tasted any of the mixtures even though I worked in the company for more than six months altogether. The second problem was that I often get hungry at work because of the alcohol content that I inhaled. As a result, a fair amount of my money was spent on food at work.

I did this job during all the long holidays, usually end-of-session breaks, while in school. This way, I was able to raise some of the money needed in the school for the new session. I also combined it with the little I can receive from my aunt before leaving for school.

Also worthy of note is the support from the friends I made in school. One of them specifically paid for my school fees in my penultimate and final years of university. May God bless you Kola. I also have another one that would cook and invite me to come and eat whenever I complained of hunger around him. Many thanks, Samuel. My third friend specifically introduced me to his family and that became my second house after school. Oluwaseun and his family are some of the kindest souls I have ever met. Lastly, remember the church member that brought food when I was admitted in the hospital? Yes, she always sent me a token every new session till I graduated.

In spite of all these, I maintained good grades in school and I was on first class from 100 level to 300 level. However, I didn't maintain it till graduation as I ended up with a second-class upper division, barely missing first class by 0.2. Sad

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

247Hustler:
Sure, it is part of the agenda. Thank you for stopping by

olasaad:
Please don't forget to help them now.

CallmeTrinity:
Liar

247Hustler:
Impact of late registration: Missing student records

Although I was able to do late registration, it came at a price. When the school-wide result was released for the first semester, the dreaded “Book of Life” (those who attended my school can relate), my name was not included and all my results were missing. This led to speculations among the students in my hostel and department that I was not a genuine student. However, to me, this meant my village people were far from leaving me alone .

I quickly swung into action to investigate the source of the problem. When I visited my department to complain about the issue, I found out that my data was not on the system because of late registration which technically meant I was not a student. To resolve the issue, I was asked to bring a copy of my offline course registration form and write a letter to Exams & Records office and the departments where I took my electives outside the faculty. The issue was resolved, my result was released and my name was added to both senate and department records. When I checked my result, I discovered that I performed well in all courses except the electives I borrowed outside the faculty due to late registration. I was sad.

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

247Hustler:
The road to America


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.

247Hustler:
I will be back with more updates. It is 3 pm here, I'm going to attend to other things.

Let me know if you are following

Spanishmilf:
WOW ngl have participated in many airdrops joined over 200 telegram nothing came out

247Hustler:
I seem to be the only one here. Let me know if you are following

247Hustler:
The road to America

By the end of March 2022, I have received responses for all my school applications. I have four total offers with one being funded. I was very happy but I decided to keep calm as I have read several cases of people being denied visas at the embassy.

I proceeded to arrange for the payment of my SEVIS and visa fees. I had a little delay with the payment of my SEVIS fee, so I could not pay on time. For this reason, I missed the early dates that were released for the interview. When the money was finally paid, I started looking for interview dates in Abuja. This process was arguably one of the hardest as dates were always not available. After a series of sleepless nights and sleeping on my computer keyboard, I managed to get a date that was a few days to resumption. I picked this date and began my preparation for the visa interview.

When it was two days before my interview, I left Ogun State for Abuja by road. Prior to this time, I have read news of kidnappings on the road. Although the news greatly disturbed me and my loved ones, the flight cost was exorbitant and going for that option would create a big hole in my finances considering my current and future expenses.

I got to Abuja at night and lodged at a guesthouse for two nights. On the day of the interview, I woke up very early and went to the US Embassy at Diplomatic Drive. When I got there, I met other people who were the for the same purpose and I went straight to the front. About an hour later, we lined up and were told to go in after the checks.

Throughout the process, I was so nervous because the stakes were so high. Since I was the first person in the queue, I was also the first person to be interviewed by the visa officer. My interview lasted for less than three minutes and I was approved. I quickly took my files and left the embassy for the guesthouse. Then I called my family and friends to inform them about the good news. It seemed surreal! My visa has been approved and I will be going to America!

A few weeks later, I booked my flight and the travel was scheduled for December. After spending time with my family and loved ones, I departed Nigeria for the United States in December 2022.


Yes, dreams do come true! I hope someone will try again one more time before giving up on life.