NightengaleBen

Goodwall - The Life Changing App is the inspiring story of Dera, a sixteen-year-old student in Senior Secondary School. Dera’s dream was to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) alongside her classmates, but her parents were unable to afford the registration fees.

As the WASSCE registration deadline approached, Dera found herself in a difficult predicament. However, unwavering support from her family and the encouraging words of Mrs. Nnaji kept her determined, despite facing ridicule from others.

One day, Dera’s elder brother, Andrew, returned from his own school and shared with Dera about Goodwall, an app that had helped countless students. Initially, it seemed too good to be true, but Dera decided to give it a try by participating in Goodwall challenges.

Goodwall-The Life Changing App by Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Dera decided she couldn't continue serving the customers. She left the shop and headed straight to her small bedroom. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she allowed herself to release her pain through tears. She wept for the future she so desperately wanted but felt was slipping away. If her father still had his job, she would have been able to register for her WASSCE. At that moment, she could only pray for enough money to at least register for the WASSCE exam.

Her tears fell silently as she remained determined to keep moving forward. Dera longed to write the exam alongside her classmates and fulfill her dreams. She wished for her father to regain his job and for her mother's small shop to prosper, providing enough income to solve their problems without having to rely on others. Salty tears streamed down her face, dripping off her chin and even reaching her lips, leaving a bitter taste. She sobbed so intensely that she started to hiccup.

Sharon's suggestion of finding work elsewhere crossed her mind. Dera wondered if it was a viable option. She contemplated the possibility of selling her bicycle, recalling Mr. Johnson's remark about sacrificing his wristwatch to buy mathematics textbook, even though his words lacked encouragement and bordered on ridicule. Nonetheless, Dera felt compelled to take a similar approach. Additionally, the words of Mrs. Nnaji echoed in her thoughts, resonating within her being: "If you refuse to let hope succumb to hopelessness, you will transcend any limits." Those empowering words filled Dera's heart with renewed hope and determination.

As her tears gradually subsided, Dera reached out to wipe them away. She stood up and walked over to the kitchen sink, splashing cold water on her face to freshen up. After drying her face with a small towel, she caught a delightful whiff of freshly made doughnuts on the kitchen counter. Tempted by their aroma, she couldn't resist and took two doughnuts from the basket. Dera prepared a warm glass of milk for herself and sat down at the kitchen table, savouring her snack.

Feeling a renewed sense of determination, Dera returned to her room and began studying. She refused to let anything discourage her, firmly believing that it wasn't over until it truly was. As a senior in SS3, she understood the importance of the WASSCE exam, which would pave the way to university. While many students enrolled in extra-mural classes to prepare for the exams, Dera hadn't had that opportunity. Nevertheless, she clung to her unwavering hope.

Sitting at her study desk, Dera meticulously reviewed the contents of her textbooks and notebooks. She was an exceptional student with a remarkable ability to absorb and retain information. She diligently transcribed every detail from her readings, ensuring she didn't have to rely on others for answers during exams, unlike many of her classmates.

Pushing thoughts of impossibility aside, Dera immersed herself in her studies. She delved into her textbooks, practiced solving questions, and diligently recorded her notes. After approximately two hours of intense focus, exhaustion took over, and she dozed off.

Beatrice returned home and checked on Dera, finding her peacefully asleep in the chair. With care and affection, she removed Dera's jacket and hung it on a hanger in her small room. Gently, she lifted Dera and carried her to bed, tucking her in with a cosy blanket. Adjusting Dera's head, she slipped a pillow behind her neck. She pulled off her slippers, and smilingly switched off the light and left the room.

Chapter Thirteen