Echoes of experience

Favour Ocheido — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:57:26 +0000

A Childhood Shaped by Hardship and Resilience
Born on the 31st of May in a bustling city to a middle-class family, life initially seemed promising. However, things quickly became difficult after my mother fell seriously ill shortly after my birth, leading to my temporary separation from her at only nine months old. At age four, my father resigned from work because he had not been properly paid for years, and by age five, my family had to move to another state in search of better opportunities.
The move changed everything. My mother could no longer continue her cyber café business, my father lost a major job opportunity after records of him mysteriously disappeared, and my family struggled financially. We survived through my mother selling items on a small table in front of our house while relatives and friends gradually became distant.
Despite all these struggles, I excelled academically. Though mocked at times and excluded socially because of my family’s condition, I refused to look down on myself. I kept striving because deep down, I believed my situation would not define my future.
Finding My Voice Through Stories and Writing
Wattpad
Growing up, I struggled socially. My parents were overly protective, and I rarely interacted freely with children outside school. Because of this, I found conversations difficult and often felt disconnected from my peers. Most classmates only approached me when they needed help academically.
Since expressing myself verbally was hard, I found comfort in stories and writing instead. Through Wattpad, I discovered people who transformed pain, imagination and life experiences into powerful stories. Reading there strengthened my love for books and writing and helped me realise that even quiet people could still have meaningful voices.
Writing became my safe space. Whenever reality became overwhelming, words gave me somewhere to escape to and somewhere to belong.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Through AI
Perplexity AI
As I grew older, education became one of the strongest weapons I had against my circumstances. However, there were moments when classroom lessons were not enough and proper guidance was difficult to find. Through Perplexity AI and other AI tools, I was able to learn independently, research topics deeply and improve my understanding of difficult subjects.
These platforms helped me realise that knowledge was not limited to expensive schools or tutoring. Even when opportunities around me seemed limited, technology allowed me to continue learning and growing.
This mindset helped me greatly during mathematics competitions. Even after being overlooked by my school and underestimated after ranking near the bottom initially, I refused to give up. Eventually, I placed fourth and earned a scholarship covering both middle school and high school.
AI tools did not replace hard work, but they made learning feel possible even during difficult times.
Creativity, Inspiration and Discovering a Bigger World
Pinterest
YouTube
Creativity became one of my greatest escapes from hardship. Through Pinterest, I explored artistic ideas, drawings, quotes and creative concepts that inspired me greatly. It helped me improve my skills in art and storytelling and reminded me that beauty could still exist even during difficult seasons of life.
YouTube also became an important source of growth for me. Through educational videos, speeches, documentaries and tutorials, I learned far beyond what my environment alone could teach me. Listening to people share stories of rising above struggles gave me hope that difficult beginnings do not determine a person’s future.
These platforms expanded my mindset and helped me dream beyond my immediate surroundings.
Growth, Technology and Hope for the Future
Developer Community
As I became more exposed to technology, I also discovered developer communities and online spaces where people shared ideas, built projects and encouraged growth. Seeing young people use technology to create opportunities for themselves inspired me deeply.
Those communities made me realise that talent is not wasted simply because opportunities are delayed. They taught me that persistence, learning and creativity can eventually open doors.
Now in grade eleven, being surrounded by wealthy classmates no longer makes me feel small; instead, it motivates me to strive harder. I am talented in drawing, music, reading and writing. Though I still struggle with conversations sometimes, I have learned to express myself through ink, creativity and ideas.
People may see me as talent wasted, but I see myself as someone awaiting opportunity.
My parents may still struggle financially, but they continue to love and support me. Through every setback, disappointment and hardship, my family keeps striving, and I still see light at the end of our tunnel.

DEV Community: Favour Ocheido

Echoes of experience