Gloria Ezenwugo is a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold. The graduate of law recently made a headline on NAIJ.com when she returned home to her roasted plantain seller mother to appreciate her for supporting her through school.
NAIJ.com got in touch with the pretty lady and this made her open up on her struggles through university. She spoke extensively on her challenges through school and how she developed her entrepreneurial skills.
Her choice of course also got influenced by the financial status of her family as her mother had to do practically everything she could to sponsor her.
Gloria Ezenwugo studied law to save her family from penury.
Check out the excerpts of the interview NAIJ.com had with her below:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Ezenwugo Gloria Ifeoma. I'm from Obeledu, Anaocha LGA in Anambra. I am 22 years old. I'm a makeup artist, with the business name "Gloria's Signature". I'm the second child in a family of seven. I have two sisters and two brothers alongside dad and mum. I love photography, modelling and cooking. My favorite colors are yellow and blue. My best food is my mum's Boli.
What influenced your choice of course in the university?
Well, my course choice was influenced by the need to defend my family out of the victimization they had to suffer in people's hands due to their penury.
How did your mother cope with you being in the university with her kind of trade?
My mum... Hmm... It wasn't easy. At first the challenge was raising money for my fees and admission clearance; my parents had to borrow money then. Giving me money for upkeep was not easy because they had little or nothing to share amongst I and my two sisters who are also in higher institution but with grace we prevailed.
The beautiful lady has learnt to ignore those who mock her with her background.
Tell us about the things you do asides being a student.
Asides being a student, I am a makeup artist.
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How would you rate the reception of people since you began the awareness?
It is amazing how people can celebrate and bless another even without knowing them in person. Sometimes I read the comments from people and break down in tears. I must confess, the reception has been so encouraging and motivational. I bless God. It is a privilege.
What major challenges have you tried to overcome since you began?
The only challenge I have tried to overcome is the negative comments some people make. "Her mum sells Boli, so? 'There are people going through worse things, she should just say she is looking for attention.' When I see comments like these, they break me from within but then, I just try to guard my heart and smile. Not everyone will understand your pain.
Ezenwugo trained herself as a makeup artiste to relieve her parents.
Tell us about your mother's business
My mother's business this period has been encouraging. Even if she does not sell millions, she gets positive comments, prayers, good will messages from people she does not even know. It is amazing because it makes her smile so much that she even cry for joy.
What are you doing to change your family situation?
Smiles! I have been doing the little I can to support them. Especially when it comes to taking care of myself and reducing the financial burden on them. This will help them divert the little they are giving me to my siblings. I started as an entrepreneur in my second year. I initially learnt first photography.
I usually go to the school field whenever there's a program in school, hire some people to help me print. I also started selling "O. K" clothes in the hostel. Then finally, I went into makeup which was very tough for me because I could not afford the makeup classes. I had to study and practice on my own until I got to this point. I have hope that some day I would be able to afford the classes and get trained properly.
What was your ambition while growing up?
My ambition has always been to be a fulfilled lawyer and a successful entrepreneur too. My mother says there is nothing as good as "aka onru" that means "handwork" in Igbo. I do not know if I got the spelling right though.
Tell us what it means not to forget one's roots.
Practically speaking, the recognition of my roots is what has brought me this far. Biting the hand that fed you, is on its own, a curse. In the same vein, appreciating the hand that fed you, is a blessing.
Where did your source of inspiration come from?
It comes from my mum. She inspires me daily. Her strength and courage is what I yearn for everyday. Her calmness in the midst of the storm is something I want to possess.
The beautiful young lady has advised the youths to always remain true to themselves.
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What have you to say to the young ones out there?
I just want to encourage every young person out there. It is important for you to always be yourself and take responsibility for your actions. People should also not allow their backgrounds to pull them down as no one would celebrate them until you do something liberating and worth celebrating.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered for celebrating the joy and pains of motherhood.
Watch the NAIJ.com TV video below to see what this 20-year-old female contortionist has to say about her abilities: