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There’s so much to worry about in this life, our hearts constantly carrying emotions, our minds thinking about what’s next or what’s still unfinished. Rest doesn’t come easily, especially for someone like me who’s hard on myself. But when I stepped into Medina in Saudi Arabia, I felt everything slowing down inside me. I forgot about the deadlines, the noise, and the unfinished tasks that were awaiting.

It was there that I received my long-awaited college acceptance, after so many rejections. I arrived in the city with such good news. I felt safe and completely at peace. Even when I got lost (as always 😭😂), I wasn’t scared or anxious. I found my way back to my hotel with calm in my chest. For the first time in a very long one, I wasn’t just surviving, but I was truly alive and at peace.

I’ve always loved organizing events that make a difference for people back home, especially for those who haven’t had the chance to experience what I’ve seen outside the country. After wrapping up my own event, I stopped by a friend’s gathering to help her with the media coverage. I so was happy and proud to capture images that hide so many emotions and tell stories.

After my tech retreat and the journeys I took in Ghana and Dubai, I gained so much confidence in myself that when I returned to Niger, I stepped into spaces I once thought were beyond my reach. I was invited to an event organized by Girls First Fund, an organization that supports CSOs fighting child marriage in Niger. I worked as a secretary, helping write reports for the advocacy training workshop and creating videos to amplify the voices of the funded partners. That moment made me truly feel I was contributing to something meaningful with real confidence. I was so proud to be using my skills for a cause that matters to me.

I’ve been taught since childhood to be kind to those around me and to show generosity. From my mother sharing food with the neighbors, visiting people, to encouraging me to share my toys or lunch with my friends—it’s a value deeply rooted in my traditions.

However, in all of this, I never learned how to show kindness to myself. I’ve been hard on myself, studying day and night without taking breaks, blaming myself when things go wrong, and treating myself like someone who could never achieve what she wanted. I realized that, for a long time, I thought this was normal—it was just being "self-disciplined." But no, I had misunderstood or overused that word. I had used it as an excuse to treat myself poorly.

It wasn’t until this Lauch Year that I opened my mind to the realization of how talented and gifted I am. Reflecting on my achievements, I saw how much I’ve accomplished, but I never though about being grateful for myself or to recognize the hard work that I am doing. I always thought it was "cringe" to offer myself a gift or show appreciation for my efforts.

But then, on December 12, I decided to take myself on a solo date by the sea. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve given myself. The feeling was refreshing—the sand between my toes, the wind, the sound of the waves, and my creativity flowing. It was a feeling I had never experienced before, and I’m so thankful to myself for making that decision. It was the most beautiful gift I gave myself, and I’ll never forget what I saw, heard, felt, and lived that day.

If you’re reading this, let this be a sign to be kind to yourself first before you extend that kindness to others. You matter too.

I never knew I could be this happy around flowers. One question that’s always been on my mind is, what is happiness? I realized happiness can be found in things I never expected. I visited a garden with flowers in Dubai, and I felt so connected to the place as if I had seen it before or was familiar with it. If I could have moved there, I would have! It was such an awe-inspiring moment, and I didn’t want to leave. I could have sat there all day, just soaking in the beauty.

I went to this place after receiving very heartbreaking news. I had been crying the whole night, but this garden was truly a healer. It did wonders for me, refilling me with the strength to move on with my life and come back to practicing mindfulness and gratitude. It was a magical, moving moment that helped me find happiness in the small and unexpected things.

I’m one of those people who will never get tired of watching sunsets and looking at the sky. It’s such a humbling and beautiful piece of art. They inspire me, make me reflect, and remind me of my dreams.

One day in Dubai, I was just walking around the city, not knowing where I was going. I was simply going from place to place until destiny led me to a spot where I was in awe of the sunset.

This might just be a picture of a sunset, but it means a lot to me. It’s a reminder that I decided to go out that day, even though I was nervous about being alone on the streets around 9km away from my hotel, with just my phone and Google Maps. I was happy I took that decision to be brave and discover things. Sunsets remind me of my dreams and goals. I believe the beauty of the sunset reflects what lies ahead after achieving my dreams. They remind me that no matter how the day went, whether it was sunny or bad, at the end of it all, I will always get to rest and see the results of my efforts.

These girls are so sweet. This was when we went to a small restaurant to buy fufu, a dish made from pounded yam and cassava, during lunchtime. (Sad part of the story: I couldn’t eat because I wasn’t sure if the soup was halal.) Working with them has been the best part of my launch year experience so far. They’ve helped me blend into Ghanaian culture.

They want to take me to Ghanain cultural places. I am so inspired by their kindness and their determination to provide for themselves. Because of cultural barriers, it’s rare for me to see girls of their age, fighting to build their own lives, and it’s incredibly inspiring to me.

Thanks to Jake who extended his network to me, I was invited to the Tech4girl matriculation ceremony where I met ambassador Johanna Svaniker and Adjoa Andoh(actress in Bridgerton). I get an internship with Heritage and cultural society of Africa (HACSA) foundation. I am working particularly for their Tech4girls program which aim to empower young girl on tech skills. Adjoa Andoh, during the ceremony, said "We all have a gift, and we must use it for good so that Africa can benefit from it" This is a direct response to what I have been looking for, I have understood her sentence that, we must use our gift and graces to help others while helping ourselves thrive and get a sense of purpose to our lives. But that sentence got me thinking; "How about me, what is my gift? how can I help?" This is the question I want to explore next. I believe that finding my gift will be an opportunity to find happiness in helping others using the gift and grace I have received from GOD

To be honest, when I decided to come to Ghana, I was so scared at first. Even though I was exited about the idea of finally taking flight and exploring the world, I had a strange feeling that I still can not fully explain. When I sat on the plane, the question I kept worrying about was: Am I making the right decision? Will I regret this? but then I was like: there’s no turning back now, Ousseina, you’re already on your way.

Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t regret the decision of breaking from societal norms and follow the path I am crafting for myself, but my mind was looking for excuses to stay in my comfort zone and follow the easiest and already existing road built by society. That feeling is something I’ll never forget and that I will always be proud of. I never imagined I’d take a solo trip unless it was for school. So, this was a huge step in my journey—a step I don’t regret. It is a step that has brought me to where I am today.

That’s why this moment is so important to me, and why I felt it was necessary to start my story here