I attended an event at Alliance Francaise d`Accra and this gentleman came picking chairs and cleaning the floor. As a former member of staff, I know everyone at Alliance and so this face was definitely not familiar. I engaged him in a conversation and found out he was a new support staff and a student at Alliance. He took the opportunity that Alliance offers its staff to learn French. I liked his mentality so today; I share his story with you
Felix Elikem Attigah was born and raised in Accra although he lived in the Volta Region in his early years. After High School, he worked as a field assistant for the Forestry Commission under the Youth Employment Authority (YEA).
Later, he worked as a shop attendant selling mattresses. He also retailed drinks and then worked in a grocery store.
“In a blink of an eye, four years had passed,” he sighed. “Hesitation in life withheld me since I did not wake up early” he continued.
Felix believed that he could go to the tertiary institution at any time. He decided to put that on hold and then work for some time. However, he got so caught up in the cycle of work that he lost track of time. “I had the opportunity to go to Thailand to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in public health administration. However, I had not even gone for my WASSCE results and certificate after High School. Therefore, I missed that opportunity because I was given 2 days to submit those documents which was impossible.
He recently met a young lady who had just started her career in pharmacy. He wondered how far he would have reached now if he had carried on with his education right after school.
Take a step and do not think you have too much time
Felix Elikem Attigah
His mum and sister encouraged him to forget about his past mistakes and move on. He decided to enrol on software engineering programme and had his current job at Alliance Francaise as a cleaner. “Don’t look back at the things you have not done. Look forward to the things you can do”. Now, he hopes to pursue public health administration in the near future.
Don’t look back at the things you have not done. Look forward to the things you can do
Felix Elikem Attigah
His advice to people especially the youth is to grab opportunities that come their way. “Take a step and do not think you have too much time”.
Since then, he has been to my office to make enquiries about one opportunity or another.
