Mymoena's Story: A New Beginning

It all began when I started high school and life changed as I experienced street life as a young confused girl with bad habits: bad habits such as drug abuse, abusive relationships, stealing and hurting my loved ones. I remember like it was yesterday how I got influenced. I wanted the feeling to go away but I was surrounded by a crowd that found enjoyment in the addiction.

I was an insecure girl who was afraid of not being in a clique and ended up getting in a hole with no stairs for getting up again.

My drug addiction continued until I reached sixteen years old when a sudden death took place in my family. My mother had passed away.

Just five years ago I dealt with this loss. My beloved mother passed away from cancer. It was a great suffering for my family as my parents were separated before her death. My dad and mom separated when I was seven years old.

We built a relationship with love and support; we could strive for anything. Hungry days and struggle we could take because we were a team.

Team support we learned could come from a family member or even a friend or worker. As my mother said "a stranger could be your answers."

As time passed I realized I have the opportunity to change my life. I changed schools: new friends, new environment, positive thinking and ready to start my grade 10 over, as I had failed before. First term, second term I was determined for a change, but I got easily influenced by alcohol abuse and smoking weed. Once again I failed myself; I suffer from depression and hold my past against my future.

I always felt like I needed a hand in life; that I had no say in the direction of anything in my life. I was afraid of failure and I could not picture myself walking with my head held high. By the time I got the chance to really support my family, I did not realize my head was deep under. I rejected a job because I underestimated my own abilities. Once again we had to struggle with my lazy attitude.

Two months later I decided I had had enough. It was time for a change. I started thinking of how to better myself.

I pushed everyone away that I knew was bad news. I entered a new year knowing I wanted to be someone with a future. I never passed a day without trying my best.

My matric year suddenly came so fast and I had the best memory of that year. My matric ball was so awesome. I might not have had the best dress but it did not stop me from acting and feeling so beautiful. My friends and I danced the whole night through. We took pictures of everyone and every object that looked pretty.

I have learned to have dreams and even find hobbies such as playing touch rugby for the school and helping my sister teach her learners. I got a job as a cashier in the supermarket where I am still working and very happy. My colleagues are so helpful. They have really helped me through a hard time in my life.

Thank God (ALLAH) I am happy and I am going to have my dreams.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me find who I am: a young lady with a future. I have gained confidence in myself to value my life and to share with everyone that life is out there. You just have to look. My motto is to strive as high as I can!!!

Now I am studying business management. Sometimes it is a struggle because I have to work late night shifts. But I am doing the best I can. I have applied for my car learners. Hope to pass, as it would be good on my C.V. when I apply for a job.

 

That is the short summary of who I was and who I have become.

- Mymoena Abbas