My Reality, My Resolve
I am a young Senegalese man, born into a world where opportunities are scarce. I have no diploma, no office job, and no wealthy family to lean on. My parents’ struggles mean I can’t dress like my well-off friends or indulge in the pleasures others take for granted. Fortune hasn’t smiled on me—yet.
But I am alive, and that is enough. As long as I breathe, hope remains. I refuse to let despair define me.
Choosing Dignity Over Desperation
I will not set myself ablaze, for that would rob me of both this life and the hereafter. I will not steal or harm others, as they are not the cause of my struggles—I am the architect of my own destiny. I will not sell my body, for my future children deserve a father they can look up to, not one labeled a gigolo. I will not beg, for my country deserves better than to see its youth reduced to outstretched hands.
I will not burden my brother in Italy, who is building his own life. His dreams are not mine to hinder. Nor will I waste hours gossiping over tea, for that time is too precious—it’s time I could use to transform my life.
Building My Future, Step by Step
I don’t need money to start; I already possess the greatest wealth: my hands, my legs, my eyes, my ears, my tongue, and my mind. With these, I will carve my path.
I’ll begin small. I’ll find a tamarind tree, cut its branches, and craft them into toothpicks to sell at the market. The coins I earn will feed me, and I’ll save a portion. With those savings, I’ll buy coffee, tea, or millet to sell—perhaps as Café Touba, hot tea, or millet porridge. This will become my daily meal, and I’ll save more. I’ll set aside fleeting pleasures, ignore the luxuries my friends chase, and focus on my future. I’ll live within my means, saving relentlessly.
One day, with enough saved, I’ll start a business. If it demands new skills, I’ll learn them. Those who once mocked me for selling toothpicks will see me differently. But their opinions don’t matter. What matters is that I will have changed my life without resorting to theft, violence, or begging.
Who Am I?
I am the Senegalese youth who once thought a primary school failure meant the end. I am the one who nearly gave up, believing all was lost. But I am also the one who realizes that as long as I have my body and mind, I have the power to change my story.
I am the Senegalese youth who believes we must shift our mindset. We cannot wait for the state to save us. No matter how dire our circumstances, we can rise without resorting to crime, prostitution, or dependency.
I am the Senegalese youth who fights for progress, knowing success doesn’t fall from the sky. As our faith teaches us, God helps those who help themselves.
A Call to My Brothers and Sisters
I dream of a Senegal where every young person in my shoes takes charge of their destiny. Unemployment is not our fate—we can overcome it. I did, starting with nothing but determination. It’s not too late. Cast aside excuses and inferiority complexes. Embrace realism and commitment. Together, we can transform Senegal.
May God bless our Senegal.
Note: This story is a call to awaken Senegal’s youth, urging them to change their mindset and take action to shape their futures without relying solely on the state.
