This picture holds a very special place in my heart. It was taken in the year 2000 during my final year (SS3) at Sardauna Memorial College, SMC, Kaduna. I was the Health Prefect at the time, a role I held with pride and responsibility. Standing on the school grounds, dressed in my green checkered uniform with the school prefect badge pinned neatly and firmly to my chest pocket, a badge of honour worn with purpose. Around my neck hangs a modest silver cross, symbolizing faith, resilience, and identity. I had no idea that this single photo would one day serve as a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come.

In the photo, my right hand is resting casually, not on a desk or a railing, but on the Vespa motorcycle of my physics teacher, Mr. Sidi. That detail might seem small, but it brings back a flood of memories. Mr. Sidi was one of those rare teachers who made complex science topics feel relatable. His Vespa was iconic, it symbolized movement, energy, and a kind of quiet authority. I suppose I leaned on it that day not just for balance, but as a subtle reflection of my admiration and connection to the world of science and innovation.

Back then, I was known among my classmates for being firm yet approachable, committed to discipline, hygiene, and the general well-being of the student body. I took my responsibilities seriously. Being Health Prefect wasn’t just about monitoring, it was about setting an example, creating awareness, and promoting personal responsibility.

Academically, I was driven by a deep curiosity, especially in subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. I wasn't satisfied with just learning formulas. I wanted to understand the why and how behind everything. That inquisitive mindset, combined with the encouragement of some great mentors, laid the foundation for what would later become a lifelong journey in engineering.

After graduating from Sardauna Memorial College, I pursued my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering with the same determination I had in secondary school. The road ahead was not always smooth. There were financial hurdles, academic challenges, and moments of self-doubt. But every time I was tempted to quit, I reminded myself of that boy in the green checkered uniform - confident, hopeful, and standing tall in front of a future he could barely imagine.

Years of hard work, research, and sleepless nights eventually led to a crowning moment in my academic journey; I was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering by the prestigious Enugu State University of Science and Technology. It was more than a certificate or a title; it was the fulfillment of a dream seeded in the dusty classrooms of SMC, Kaduna and watered by years of discipline, faith, and resilience.

Looking back now, that photo isn't just a school memory. It represents a beginning, a quiet declaration that I was ready to take on the world. From leaning on a teacher’s Vespa to contributing to cutting-edge research in chemical engineering, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

To every young student out there: your present doesn’t define your limit, it defines your starting point. Stand tall in your green shirt, whatever it may be, and don’t be afraid to dream beyond what you see.

Dr. Onyebuchi Emmanuel Nnaji

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering | Scholar | Engineer | Lifelong Learner