My Father's Choice

NOVEMBER IMAGE

“So happy and sad to say this, father: this is what you sent me to read. Please — have the certificate”.

Erick has had a passion for studying Law at the University since he was a child. He had dreamed of this passion and had told everyone, including his teacher, when he was still in both primary and secondary school. He was only inspired by a lawyer who defended them during a crisis to take away their lands in his town. The king tried his best to take his family down, but this lawyer stood by them. The sweet side of it was that he did not collect a dime from his family. He only said, "I will help you win the case and take two plots from the land. Again, I will take just 10% of the damages the king will pay to your family ". It was so astonishing.

This gave Erick the zeal to pursue for law after his secondary school. It was time to register for the subjects he would do in his secondary school in the senior final exam that would take them to the university. Erick got home and related this to his parents. “You can fill in the subjects of your choice”, his mum was on the same page with her son.
“No way. You have to fill in subjects related to sciences”, it was so glaring what his dad wanted him to read in the university. His choice was the opposite of Erick's choice.
“But, Dad, you know how I have been trying hard to read law at the university.” Tears were rolling down Erick's face as he saw his choice not just deviating, but moving him out of what he had planned.
"I want you to read medicine at the university. I want to see you as a doctor, just like Mr Dan's son. I always envied him anytime he says "I'm the father of a doctor “, it was out of envy his dad had that made him said those words.
“Alright, Dad. I will do as you instructed. I will go for your choice, but remember it is not my choice”.

When the result was put, Erick cleared his papers that qualified him to go for medicine and surgery at the university. While still waiting to write the Post UTME, he decided to register for WAEC GCE through his mum. He wrote the exams unknowingly to his dad.

After the post, UTME came out, and he wrote the exam. After a week of writing the exam, the result came out. He checked as his dad was ready to see if he made it through. Erick is a brilliant boy who always wanted the best for himself. He only fights for his passion.

After a few weeks, his results for the WAEC GCE were out, and it was a success as usual. He's someone who does not joke with his education, not even in any other field. He's an all-rounder.

“Congratulations, you have been offered admission into our institution to read medicine and surgery.” Seeing this message sent by the school, he was not happy.
“Dad, the school has sent me a message offering me a provisional admission to study medicine and surgery.” his dad was so excited after hearing this message from his son.
“I will give you all the support needed to see you through the realm of studying”, happily, his dad spoke to him.

He studied the course for the choice of his dad. He never, for once, turned down the choice his dad had made.

A few years later, he was done with the course and came out as a first-class graduate. He got home sadly and, with no smile on his face, he handed the certificate to his dad.
“Dad, that's your certificate. I'm now a doctor”.
“Thank you, my son, for making me proud”, his dad replied, and was so excited.
Erick left while his dad was feeling excited. He walked down to his friends and started broadcasting about how he's now the father of a doctor.
“Have you applied for any hospital or any medical department?” His father asked keenly.
“I only got you your certificate, and that's all”, Erick said openly.
“I don't understand, son,, His dad replied.
“That certificate is not for me, Dad, but yours. I will go for what my heart wants.” his father's mood was fading from happiness to sadness. Furiously, he had to ask Erick to leave his sight.

A few months later, he wrote another JAMB and was successful. He applied for Law and was given admission. For the first time, there was deep happiness that overshadowed his heart.

After some years of serious study, he came out successful and got a first class in the field of law.

“Yes, I got my choice and I gave my dad what he longed for”.