Chapter Forty-Two

The next morning, after having breakfast, Dera hopped on her bicycle and set off for school. Along the way, she spotted a billboard advertising a new fast-food breakfast and remembered that she had promised to buy a box of doughnuts for Jennifer. Pausing at a fancy doughnut shop, Dera purchased a box of delicious doughnuts for Jennifer and continued her ride to school.

As Dera entered the classroom, she walked towards her desk, noticing that the boy whose desk was situated in front of hers was already present, deeply engrossed in reading. With a friendly smile, Dera greeted him, and he responded with a nod of acknowledgment. The boy sported a well-groomed haircut, and she noticed that he had earphones on, although there was no music playing through them.

The morning assembly bell rang, and the students hurriedly made their way to the assembly hall. Dera placed her new backpack on her desk and carefully stowed the doughnuts inside her desk drawer before heading to the garden to check on the plants. Using the garden hose, she watered the plants and flowers, pruned some trees to ensure their health and tidiness, and swiftly watered the lawn with the garden sprinklers. Finally, she made her way to the assembly hall.

After the morning assembly, the students dispersed and headed back to their respective classrooms. Among them, Dera and Jennifer found their seats and prepared to settle in for the day. Dera's desk was situated on the third row, while Jennifer's was on the second row, situated in close proximity to each other. As they took their places, Jennifer turned around, looking at Dera. Dera feigned a tinge of sadness at the sight of Jennifer who was looking at her, pretending to be affected by Jennifer's gaze.

'Did your Goodwall tell you that I'm not good enough?' Jennifer teased Dera, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 'I thought you were going to preach about him today. But it looks like he's already given you the boot,' she said playfully, reaching into her bag to retrieve her iPod. Catching Dera's gaze, she formed a playful fist. Dera burst into laughter but decided to keep the secret of the doughnuts, hoping Jennifer would figure it out on her own. It was likely that the doughnuts were the cause of Dera's feigned sadness.

'Have you finished your assignment?' Dera asked, her smile growing wider. 'Which social media platform did you choose?'

'Of course, Facebook,' Jennifer replied confidently. 'Facebook is the most popular social media platform. It's the largest social networking site, with nearly 3 billion monthly users. I'm pretty sure everyone will be writing about it.'

'Except me,' Dera chuckled. 'Facebook mostly benefits celebrities, but the social media platform I chose benefits everyone, especially students. It doesn't matter what your social status or race is; as long as you're willing to become part of the community, you'll reap its rewards. You don't need to advertise or have millions of followers to benefit from it. You'll find out more about this unique social media platform when you join the community.'

Jennifer rolled her eyes. 'Facebook helps businesses grow their sales locally, nationally, and globally. It also supports entrepreneurship. If you want your business to thrive, you need Facebook's marketing tools. So, you see, Facebook remains number one, followed by Twitter, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Any other social media or chatting site just seems scammy.'

'Scammy?' Dera laughed. 'By the time I'm done with my presentation today, you'll be begging to be a part of Goodwall.'

'Enough with this Goodwall obsession,' Jennifer pouted. 'Something smells amazing in here.' She took a deep breath, savouring the scent. 'Mmm, doughnuts.' She glanced at Dera, a hopeful look in her eyes. 'Did you bring the box of doughnuts?'

Dera grinned. 'Let me whet your appetite by describing how delicious the doughnuts I bought for you look. There's one with a simple glaze, another adorned with rainbow sprinkles, one filled with raspberry jelly, another with creamy vanilla filling, and the last two have a mouthwatering combination of bacon and maple frosting.'

'Really? Tell me about this doughnut shop,' Jennifer eagerly asked, her curiosity piqued.

'Goodwall is the reason I was able to afford buying you those doughnuts,' Dera leaned closer to Jennifer and whispered in her ear. 'If you want to indulge in them, you'll have to wait a little. You can only have them after my Goodwall presentation.'

Jennifer felt a pang of disappointment. 'I'm your bestie. How could you suddenly be mean?'

Dera shrugged playfully. 'A little patience, Jennifer.' She laughed and continued, 'You have no idea how amazing this doughnut shop is. Once you know, you'll want to order everything they have.' Dera retrieved the box from the drawer and placed it on the desk, allowing Jennifer a glimpse. But just as Jennifer reached for it, Dera swiftly lifted it out of her reach.

'Girl, I hate you right now!' Jennifer exclaimed, playfully feigning anger.

'Don't hate me,' Dera teased. 'I might change my mind and give it to someone else.'

Jennifer pretended to cry. 'You can't do that to your bestie!'

Dera burst into laughter. She opened the bag and revealed the half dozen delectable doughnuts, still warm and freshly made, causing Jennifer's stomach to rumble. 'Did you see that? If you hate me, the box will find a new owner.'

'No, you're the best,' Jennifer quickly reassured, a playful smile on her face.

Dera chuckled. 'Okay, I was just kidding. But I'm serious about not giving them to you until after our presentation.' Dera closed the box and stowed it away, maintaining the air of anticipation.

When Mrs. Nnaji entered the classroom, the noise subsided, and all eyes turned to the podium where the teacher stood.

'Good morning, class,' Mrs. Nnaji greeted. She looked stunning in her yellow belted dress.

'Good morning, ma'am,' they all responded in unison.

'In the previous lesson, I informed you about today's oral presentation, so I hope you've completed your homework and come prepared! Can the students in the front row please come up one by one and deliver your presentations? Remember to make them unique. This presentation is about the social media platform that has benefited you and your family. However, the student with the most convincing presentation will receive a prize from me. Are you all ready?'

'Yes, ma'am,' everyone replied in unison.

Jennifer chuckled as she glanced at the papers on her desk, a confident smile forming on her lips. She had interviewed numerous Facebook users and received encouraging feedback from them. However, unbeknownst to her, everyone in the class had also conducted extensive research. It now became a matter of determining who had the most distinctive presentation and had genuinely reaped benefits from the social media platform they were utilising.

'Dera, if I win, what will you do?' Jennifer asked playfully.

Twirling a pen between her slender fingers, Dera replied, 'If you win, I, Chidera Onuoha, will buy you a box of doughnuts for one week.'

Jennifer pouted cutely. 'That sounds cool, bestie. Remember to keep your promise.'

'Pinky promise,' Dera affirmed.

Jennifer smiled sweetly. 'Bestie, all the best to you too,' she whispered to Dera, who nodded in response.

'Same to you,' Dera replied.

The students in the classroom cheered as the first speaker finished his presentation. Soon, it was the turn of the students in the second row.

Jennifer stepped up to the front of the class, holding some papers in her hand. All eyes were on her as she began her presentation. 'I have always loved Facebook because it connects us to people we know and those we don't. Facebook has the largest online community in the world, and almost everyone has an account. People today even make money through Facebook...'

Mrs. Nnaji, the teacher, interrupted Jennifer. 'Can you tell us how you have personally benefited from it?'

Jennifer nodded. 'Certainly, Mrs. Nnaji. My aunt met her American husband on Facebook, and they are now happily married with four children who are in high school.'

Hearing Jennifer's story, the students cheered in excitement. Jennifer waited for them to quiet down before continuing.

'Through Facebook, our businesses can be advertised effectively. It's the best platform for advertising.'

'What about scams?' a student asked, prompting laughter from the class.

Jennifer responded confidently, 'Scams exist everywhere, not just on Facebook. It's not Facebook's fault if we're not careful. Sometimes, our greed leads us to become victims of scams. Thank you,' she concluded her presentation, bowing to the class.

'Chidera Onuoha, please come forward and present yours,' Mrs. Nnaji announced when it was Dera's turn.

Dera confidently picked up her meticulously prepared printouts and made her way to the podium, dressed impeccably in her peach-coloured shirt, pleated navy blue skirt, black tie, peach-coloured socks, and a peach blazer with the school logo—Peach Secondary School—on it. The skirt's hem had been tailored slightly higher, revealing her long and graceful legs. With her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, she exuded a model-like aura, even in her school uniform. Dera truly deserved the title of a student model. With a charming smile on her face, she took the marker and wrote on the board: Eco-friendly Goodwall.

'Isn't Goodwall your boyfriend?' everyone wondered in surprise.

Dera turned to address the class, a small smile playing on her lips. 'Yes, Goodwall is my new crush,' she began, capturing the attention of her classmates. 'My new crush is the reason I'm standing here today.' Her words exuded confidence and a radiant aura surrounded her, captivating the room.

Dera stood on the podium with grace as a glowing expression adorned her exquisite face, captivating the class like never before. The morning breeze gently wafted into the classroom, adding a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.

'I call Goodwall eco-friendly because it is an app that even the breaking climate accepts,' Dera said, her voice resonating with conviction. 'This app poses no harm to our environment. You see, I've been a struggling student for about three years ever since my father lost his job in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. I faced ridicule because my father couldn't afford to pay my fees on time. There was a point when I believed I wouldn't be able to register for my WASSCE. As for NECO, it never even crossed my mind.' Pausing to take a deep breath, Dera continued, her words brimming with determination. 'I had an elder brother studying at the university, and I contemplated giving up on my own dreams to help my parents sponsor his education. But then, everything changed a few weeks ago when my brother returned home unexpectedly and introduced me to Goodwall...'

'Never heard of that before,' one student interjected curiously.

A smile graced Dera's face as she responded to the student's comment. 'If you have your smartphone with you, I want you to Google Goodwall.'

Following Dera's suggestion, everyone promptly pulled out their smartphones and began searching for Goodwall. As they delved into the app's details and read the reviews, their interest grew exponentially.

'I can't believe it! An app that rewards you with cash prizes just for participating in challenges? Goodwall is perfect!' exclaimed one student, clearly amazed by the concept.

A girl with pigtails added humorously, 'But can Goodwall find us American husbands?'

Laughter erupted throughout the classroom, creating a jovial atmosphere.

Jennifer, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, chimed in, 'Whether or not Goodwall can do that, I don't care. Even if I fail in the challenges, I still want to be part of this community that brings out the best in people.'

Dera stood tall on the podium, surveying the intrigued faces before her. The class fell silent as Mrs. Nnaji, the teacher, requested their attention. She nodded to Dera, encouraging her to continue.

'I was just three days away from the deadline when I decided to try my luck,' Dera shared, her smile widening. 'Out of the five challenges, I won in four, earning a total of $490.'

'Wow, is that even possible?' someone exclaimed, clearly astonished by Dera's accomplishment.

'At first, I doubted it myself,' Dera admitted. 'But I decided to give it a shot anyway. I wondered if the jury would be biased, like many others I've encountered. However, I was pleasantly surprised. They are fair and treat everyone equally.' Pausing for effect, she added, 'Through Goodwall, I was able to pay my fees, registered for NECO and WASSCE, purchased a new school uniform, a new backpack, and essential textbooks. And if you still doubt its authenticity, let me provide you with proof.' Dera reached into her skirt pocket and retrieved a fifty-dollar note, lifting it before the class. 'For the first time, I held American dollars in my hands. Goodwall made it possible. Goodwall is undeniably real.'

'Is this a dream?' Jennifer enquired with a grin.

'It felt like a dream, but it turned out to be real. And even if it were a dream, I hope to Goodwall in my dreams too,' Dera responded, causing laughter to fill the room once again.

Mrs. Nnaji couldn't contain her delight as she observed Dera. She realised that Dera's abilities and accomplishments surpassed her initial expectations. Not everyone could win challenges with hundreds of competitors, but Dera had emerged as a shining star, remarkable in every way. As a topnotcher every year, Dera's brilliance was undeniable, and Mrs. Nnaji was thoroughly convinced of her exceptional nature.

Abraham, eager to engage with Dera, stood up and sought permission to ask a question. Mrs. Nnaji glanced at Dera and asked if she was open to taking questions. Dera replied affirmatively, welcoming the opportunity.

Abraham directed his question to Dera, referring to a Wikipedia article on his phone. The article described Goodwall as a platform primarily designed for the Gen Z demographic, enabling members to create a digital profile showcasing their skills and achievements through photos and videos. He wondered whether the information provided was accurate or potentially a paid advertisement.

Dera addressed the question, prompting laughter from the class. 'Everything good is about Goodwall,' she declared. 'It's a community designed specifically for young people to highlight their individuality, accomplishments, and talents through visual media such as pictures and videos.' With a confident smile, she affirmed Abraham, 'So, yes, the article you read is indeed accurate.' Pausing briefly for effect, Dera continued to provide more insights. 'The platform attracts members from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and countries.' She then shared additional information, 'Goodwall was founded by Taha Bawa, the CEO, and Omar Bawa, the COO.'

Abraham was curious about Dera's involvement with Goodwall, so he enquired further.

Dera proudly stated, 'I am a proud member.'

Another student questioned the value of Goodwall beyond cash prizes. Dera explained that, in addition to the monetary rewards, the app provided opportunities for users to showcase their skills and achievements through photos and videos, and also offered online programs, scholarships, job opportunities, internship courses, volunteer work, and created a platform for entrepreneurs. Dera also emphasised the friendliness of Goodwall's employees and how they were readily accessible to assist users.

When asked how she knew about the friendly nature of Goodwall's employees, Dera shared her personal experiences. She had reached out to Jeff Barcelona, the Community Manager, with a query and received a polite response. Dera mentioned Román Josué De Las Heras Torres, a Senior Data Scientist at Goodwall, who actively engaged with users' posts, and Riza Suficiencia, Community Specialist at Goodwall, who consistently upvoted her posts whenever she shared something on the platform. Dera spoke passionately about the inclusive and supportive nature of Goodwall, expressing her pride in being part of the Goodwall family. She highlighted the diverse opportunities the app had provided, including enabling some individuals to travel abroad. Dera assured her classmates that there was no discrimination on Goodwall, as everyone received a fair share, emphasising the fair judgment of the app's jury.

Curiosity led Abraham to enquire about Goodwall's revenue generation. Although Dera didn't have specific knowledge, she mentioned that Goodwall collaborated with various companies, organisations, and governments to develop programs aimed at enhancing the skills and mobilisation of young people.

To satisfy the class's curiosity, Dera named a few collaborating companies, such as UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, Yoma, Randstad NV, and SAP.

A student asked about the number of followers on Goodwall. After a pause, Dera responded, 'Currently, Goodwall has more than two million members across 150 countries and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.'

Abraham raised a concern about the seemingly low number of members for an eco-friendly platform like Goodwall. Dera and Abraham both agreed that with more people downloading the app and joining the community, the numbers would steadily increase. Dera encouraged everyone to share Goodwall with friends and family, eliciting grins from her classmates.

One student asked where they could find the app. Dera promptly responded, 'Goodwall is available on Google Play and the iOS App Store. It's on a mission to connect young people to opportunities. Let's join the soaring jet that is Goodwall.' With a bow, Dera concluded her oral presentation.

The classroom erupted in thunderous applause as everyone enthusiastically acknowledged Dera's inspiring words.

Abraham, filled with excitement, exclaimed, 'I just downloaded the app! Now, all of you should join the soaring jet too!' The class burst into laughter at Abraham's amusing remark.

One student suggested, 'Dera, could you please read us that letter you wrote about Goodwall?' The rest of the class nodded in agreement, eager to hear more.

'Okay,' Dera agreed, retrieving her diary from her bag. Standing before the class with a smile, she began reading the letter aloud:

Dear Goodwall, 

As I sit here in my class, penning these words of gratitude, my heart swells with joy and appreciation for the magical space you have created. I want to take this moment to express my deep appreciation for the remarkable impact you have had on my life and the lives of countless others.

Since the day I downloaded you, my world has been infused with colours of inspiration, kindness, and creativity. You are not just an app but a gateway to a world of creativity, goodness, and connection.

Honestly, when I first heard of you, I didn't believe that anything good would come from you. However, I later discovered that behind your digital façade lies a realm where strangers become friends, and acts of goodness blossom.

You stand as a beacon of light in a world clouded with negativity, reminding us that there is still beauty to be found and shared. I call you eco-friendly Goodwall because you are not harmful. Instead, with you, I feel the warmth of a peaceful and supportive community.

With you, I felt hope, and my weary soul uplifted. Each thought of you brought a smile to my face. Your existence serves as a reminder that we all possess the power to make a positive difference, no matter how small.

The most cherished part of you is the fact that you give voice to the voiceless every day. You're a platform for the shy and a refuge for those seeking solace.

Goodwall, I want to thank you for being a sanctuary of creativity and connection. Thank you for fostering a community where strangers can come together, support one another, and leave traces of love and encouragement. Thank you for having no room for cyber bullying. Thank you for providing everyone with the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents. Your ability to bring out the best in people and inspire them to believe in reaching the top is truly remarkable. Thank you for serving as the ladder that has enabled numerous individuals to rise and reach their destinies, and thanks to the founders for their vision and efforts in creating such an empowering platform…

 I promise to wholeheartedly cherish this digital space, honour its value, and contribute to its tapestry of kindness. May you always radiate even in dark places. May your wall continue to inspire, your impact continue to grow, and may your footprint remain in the history of generations.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dera Onuoha.