"When I Grow Up"

"When I Grow Up"

Illustrated by Tequan James 

 Once upon a time, in a small but bustling city, lived a boy named Tequan. He was a boy with big dreams and a vibrant imagination. His dreams were not ordinary; he dreamt of being either a famous football player or a successful business tycoon. His dreams were as diverse as they were grand, and he believed in them with all his heart.

If you asked Tequan, "Why these two distinct paths?" he would answer with a gleam in his eyes, "Why not?" He loved the thrill he felt when he kicked a football, the cheer of imaginary crowds roaring in his ears. Yet, he was also fascinated by the world of business, by the idea of creating something from scratch and watching it change the world. Like his mom!

When Tequan imagined himself as a professional footballer, he saw the number 10 or 21 on his jersey, the same number his idols wore. He was not just satisfied with playing for any team; he wanted to play for England, just like one of his favourite players, Raheem Sterling. He dreamt of the day when he would run across the field, the crowd chanting his name and scoring the winning goal for his country.

Tequan's love for football was not just about the game; it was also about the lifestyle that came with it. He imagined himself driving expensive cars, a collection that would include two Lamborghinis, two Ferraris, a Bugatti, two Porsches, and a Hennessy. He envisioned himself as the face of popular shoe brands, his image on billboards and screens worldwide.

But Tequan's dreams didn't stop there. In his mind's eye, he saw another path, one that led to the world of business. He aspired to be a business tycoon who would design, develop, and manufacture his own line of cars. He did not know the name he would give his cars, but he was confident they would be electric, smooth, and fast.

Tequan wanted to manufacture a variety of vehicles, each one designed to perfection. This would include race cars that would break records, off-road cars that would conquer every terrain, drift cars that would dance on the roads, exotic cars that would turn heads, and road cars that would be a typical man's pride. He envisioned his business expanding across the globe, his logo recognized by everyone, and his family living a life of comfort and luxury.                                 

But Tequan was not just a dreamer; he was also a kind-hearted soul. He knew that with great success came great responsibility. He made a promise to himself that if he were ever fortunate enough to achieve his dreams, he would give back to his community. He would donate part of his earnings to help those less fortunate, to provide them with opportunities to build their own dreams.

Indeed, Tequan's journey is not just about achieving personal success; it is about inspiring others to dream and to believe in their dreams. It is about showing that no dream is too big or too small, too ordinary, or too extraordinary. It is about teaching that the path to success isn't easy, but with perseverance, dedication, and a strong will, it's possible to reach your goals.

Tequan's story is a beacon of hope for every child who dares to dream. It is a reminder that your background does not define your future; your dreams do. It is an inspiration.

 The End.