Designing Her Way to Success Against All Odds

A year ago, I lost my dad. It was heartbreaking for me.

My dad was my only source of income before he passed. I was a 400 level Law student at the time. Sadly, ASUU strike happened and I was at home indefinitely. I didn’t want to become a burden to my mom because my dad’s passing meant she had to fend for the family.

I decided to get a job so I could earn some money to ease the financial burden. My sister referred me for a Virtual Assistant role. It was on contract basis but I was willing to do it anyway. During the period I worked as a Virtual Assistant, I still searched for more opportunities. ASUU strike was over a year already and it still didn’t seem like it would be over soon.

I focused more on remote opportunities so when I resume school, I could still work and earn money.

One day, I came across a post about the 1000 Women In Design scholarship program on Instagram. I didn’t have any design skills but at that time, I knew that I was interested in learning a tech skill so I applied to learn Product Design. I felt it would be easy for me because I already had an interest in arts.

I sincerely love how the program was structured. Even though I was a newbie with zero knowledge in design, I was still able to learn easily. The courses were well structured and both the I4G and Geneza team were super helpful.

I enjoyed learning with other beneficiaries too because we were all in a group chat. I also loved the sub-groups that were created. It gave us a smaller circle which meant easy access to each other and a sense of community. I took the scholarship program with my friend and that was also a booster for me.

I no longer work as a Virtual Assistant as the contract is over already but I was able to save up my earnings to buy a laptop before I completed the 1000WomenInDesign scholarship program so, having a laptop made learning easier for me.

I am back to school now. I am in my final year but I can’t imagine a career outside of Product Design. I doubt I will use my degree in Law because the 2 year strike took its toll on me. I am more interested in Product Design now.

I am thankful to I4G for the opportunity given to me. I feel empowered and limitless with my design skills.