Mr Michael is an extended family member I admire a lot. He loved discussing legal issues, he loved reasonable arguments, and he enjoyed following politics. However, Michael was not educated. He didn't attend the university and it showed during discussions with him.
Not attending the university was one of Michael's biggest regret. He missed his chance when he was young, and now he was in his 40s and he had his own wife and kids to cater for.
He always wanted to be a lawyer. He would argue law with my dad all the time. Even if he wasn't a lawyer, he knew so much about law. One morning, Micheal came to my house to discuss with my dad whom he was very close with.
"There is something I want to talk with you about" he said to my dad.
"Okay what is it?" My dad asked
"I want to go to school and study law" he said.
I was in the background when I heard him say that and my jaw dropped out of shock. My dad was equally as shocked.
"Are you sure about this? This is not a light decision" my dad said
"I know I'm in my mid 40s and it may look like my opportunity has passed, but this is something I really want to do. I have always dreamed about becoming a lawyer. So I am very sure about" Michael said
"You know this would be a drastic change for you and your family. How do you intend to balance work, your family, and academics? It's a lot to be honest. It would also drain you financially because you have to take care of your kids and their education too. I just want to be certain you are aware of what would be involved" my dad said
"Yes I'm aware of everything involved. I've thought about it and I'm ready to undergo this journey." Michael said
"Hmmm, Michael, have you discussed this with your wife?" my dad asked
"Yes I have. She's in support of it." Michael replied with a smile.
"Alright. Well, if this is what you want to do and you are passionate about it, then you have my support" My dad said.
To everyone in the family, Michael was about to do something unconventional. Many in his age bracket and situation wouldn't consider school at that stage, but Michael decided to take the road less traveled by. He want to become a lawyer so bad that nothing was going to stand in his way.
Soon enough, Michael began the process. He took the required exams and got into the university to study law. I could see how much he struggled trying to keep up with lectures, business, and providing for his family.
One thing that kept going for him was his wife. He had an amazing and understanding wife. She helped him a lot. Whenever he was very occupied with school stuff, his wife stepped in. She catered to the kids' needs, and she also helped out financially.
Little by little, Michael progressed, and before we knew it he was done with his first year. Then he was done with his second year. My dad and other family members supported him financially. It was like a family team effort. Everyone in the family was eager o see him succeed and that made them rally around to support him.
Few years later, he graduated as a lawyer. It was something of joy. Both the people he met in school and the family were happy that he was able to achieve such feat at his age. In truth, he wasn't able to achieve such on his own. He had the backing his wife and family. That was more than enough for him.
His graduation ceremony was a huge celebration. It was more massive than I expected it to be. I was happy that people were happy on his behalf. He was an inspiration to me and so many more. He gave a speech during the ceremony that moved people.
For me, it was like a fairytale run. I remembered how he was always so passionate about legal issues that he would spend entire evenings talking about it with me and my dad. He wasn't a lawyer then but I could see the lawyer in him. He had the courage to go to school at such an age, not minding what people would say. I admired him for such courage, and thanks to him, many persons in a similar situation could gather the courage to go for what they want.
