Beatrice Alagah, a second-year BSc Human Resources Management student, didn’t spend her vacation the way most freshmen do when transitioning into their second year. Instead of relaxing, she spent her break helping her mother, a local porridge seller, who also happens to be her employer.

For Beatrice, helping her mother is more than just a way to stay busy during the break, it’s a responsibility she takes seriously, all with the goal of saving money for herself.

“We sell brown porridge, white porridge, bread, and other items,” she explains. “I help her sell them, and she pays me so I can keep that money for my upkeep. That way, I don’t have to fully depend on her for minor expenses.”

Every morning, Beatrice wakes up early to assist her mother in preparing the porridge and setting up their small stall at home. Customers come to enjoy the nutritious meal, and Beatrice works tirelessly to ensure the business runs smoothly.

“It gets tiring at times, but you have to keep going,” she admits, reflecting on the exhaustion of early mornings and long hours.

When Beatrice returns to school, her commitment to supporting herself doesn’t end. She’s not just focused on her studies; she’s also found a way to continue supporting herself financially.

As an enterprising student, Beatrice sells bottled water, pies, donuts, and cookies to her classmates. But for her, it’s more than just sharing snacks, it’s a way to fund her education.

“I bake and sell bottled water as well. I started this business because, sometimes, there’s a shortage of water at the cafeteria, and students have to walk all the way to buy it elsewhere. I saw an opportunity, and I took it,” she explains.

Her business has flourished. “I sometimes bring over a hundred bottles, and they sell out quickly. It really helps me. I also sell cookies, mini donuts, milky donuts, cake in a cup, and cake in a bowl. I started small, but it’s been so helpful. I save the money to pay for my hostel fees and part of my school fees. Money doesn’t just come from anywhere,” she said.

Beatrice’s resourcefulness and drive have not only helped her make it through school but have also given her a deep understanding of how to balance academics, work, and personal responsibilities.

Through her hard work, she’s learned valuable life lessons about independence, self-reliance, and the importance of finding opportunities even in the most unexpected places.

When asked about her future plans, Beatrice is clear: she wants to continue growing her business while excelling in her studies.

“It’s all about finding balance,” she says. “I’m learning a lot, not just in school but in life. And I know that all of this, helping my mom, supporting myself at school, is building me up for the future,” she added.